GHAZIABAD: Commenting on fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya’s recent statement that electronic media was playing a huge role in inflaming the government, the Broadcast Editors' Association (BEA) Secretary, N K Singh on Friday said that he would take the statement as an compliment.
“I take it as a compliment that is precisely the job that media is cut-out for. If Vijay Mallya understands democratic nuances, he should also understand that media raises issues, media creates awareness among the public. And the pressure of this public opinion actually makes that powers that be to act. That precisely is the job media is in existence for,” Singh.
Mallya in an interview had said, “It is important to understand the environment in India today. The electronic media is playing a huge role not just in moulding public opinion but in inflaming the government to a very large extent.”
However, Singh said that Mallya should return back to India and face the Enforcement Directorate.
The Enforcement Directorate has accused him of siphoning off money from Kingfisher to buy property abroad.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court said details of Mallya’s overseas assets would be shared with the banks.
The businessman is facing legal proceedings for alleged default of loans worth over nine thousand crore rupees from various banks.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs had revoked Mallya's passport in order to bring him back into India.
The ministry has yesterday written to the High Commission of the United Kingdom in Delhi requesting Mallya’s deportation so that his presence can be secured for investigations against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.