MEA explains how Vijay Mallya turned up in the same event as Indian envoy; Cong targets Modi govt

 Training guns at the Centre after reports emerged that Vijay Mallya was spotted at a book launch event that was also attended by Indian envoy Navtej Sarna at the London School of Economics this week, the Congress Party today said the incident clearly indicates that the escape of the Indian business tycoon was perhaps aided and abetted by the BJP-led NDA government.

"The High Commissioner knows what the policy of its government is. It is hardly surprising to find him present at an event where Mr Mallya, otherwise an allegedly proclaimed offender, was also present," Congress leader Manish Tewari told a media briefing. Tewari further said that such episodes are fairly indicative of the manner in which the government is functioning as enough has been said with regard to the fact that his escape was perhaps aided and abetted by the government.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, saying Sarna left the event without waiting for the interactive session after he spotted Mallya. "When the High Commissioner spotted Mallya in the audience he left the stage and venue immediately after making his comments and without waiting for the interactive session," the MEA said in the statement.

The MEA said, "there were two clear segments the book launch by UK Minister Jo Johnson and discussion at LSE and later a reception at the High Commission for select guests. "The list of invitations for the LSE event was determined by LSE. They have written to the High Commissioner that Mallya was not on their list. They have also said that the event was advertised widely through social media and attendees were not required to register in advance.

"Mallya was certainly not an invitee to the reception at the High Commission for which the invitations were issued by the High Commission, and was not present."