Vijay Mallya nabbed, granted bail in London: Here are top political reactions

New Delhi: In a big political breakthrough for the Government of India on Tuesday, absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya was arrested by the Scotland Yard in London. 

Mallya, who is wanted in India for defaulting on loans worth Rs 9,000 crore, will now be produced before the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.

Mallya, who has been declared a willful absconder in India, is likely to be extradited and a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will visit the United Kingdom soon.

Mallya has repeatedly refused to appear before courts and investigators in India since he secretly fled to Britain last March, after defaulting on loan payments to state-owned banks and allegedly misusing the funds.

His financial dealings are being investigated by the CBI and federal Enforcement Directorate.

Mallya, known for his extravagant lifestyle and who once branded himself the ‘King of Good Times, was sacked in February from the board of United Breweries, the firm through which he once controlled his business empire.

He made Kingfisher beer a global brand and ran a now-defunct airline with the same name, besides being the owner of a cricket side and a Formula One team.

More than half a dozen court warrants have already been issued against his name, and he owes banks at least Rs 9,000 crore.

In January, a court ordered a consortium of lenders to start the process of recovering the loans.

Here are some immediate reactions to Vijay Mallya's arrest.

Subramaian Swamy, BJP Rajya Sabha MP

“Thanks and congratulations to PM Modi for this. Modi means business and he was always in a fight against corruption. It's time for Mallya to go to jail. This is just the beginning…. Lalit Modi could be next. "

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister

''It is a big success for the Indian Government and the Finance Ministry.'' 

Randeep Surjewala, Congress 

''After relentless campaign by Congress,finally extradition request was submitted by Govt in February''.

Santosh Gangwar, MoS Finance

''Vijay Mallya will be brought back to India, due process of law will be followed.''

Neetu Shukla, former Kingfisher employee

''Very happy, will be even happier the day we are paid our dues and get justice.''