The Indian government is seeking the deportation of flamboyant Indian liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, famously called the country's Richard Branson. The 60-year-old businessman, who owes about $1 billion to Indians banks, left the country for the UK in March.
Mallya made his fortune from his family's company United Spirits, a beer and spirits conglomerate, which has more than half the share of India's organised alcohol market. Famously known as the "King of Good Times', Mallya started Kingfisher AIrlines, invested in a Formula One racing team, and several sport teams, such as the the Indian Premier League cricket team Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is even a member of the Indian Parliament.
Famous for his flashy parties, horse racing and swimsuit calendars, Mallya ran into trouble with the financial failure of his Kingfisher Airlines, which suspended operations in 2012. He is currently being pursued by a group of government-owned Indian banks who say he has $1 billion worth of unpaid debts. Mallya is also accused on money laundering and diverting funds from Kingfisher Airlines for buying property abroad.
The Indian government has already revoked his diplomatic passport, with the country's attorney-general even calling him a "fugitive from justice". In an interview with the Financial Times, Mallya denied the charges and said he was forced to live in exile, and had no plans to return to India.
Here's a glimpse of his life in pictures.
