A new row has erupted after industrialist Vijay Mallya was seen at a book launch in London, which was also attended by Indian High Commissioner Navtej Sarna.
Television cameras spotted Mallya and Sarna in the same hall attending the launch of socialite Suhel Seth’s new book.
Last week, Mallya was declared a proclaimed offender by a Mumbai court in a money laundering case.
As the news flashed across television channels and social media, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was quick to distance itself from the event.
“When the high commissioner spotted Mallya in the audience, he left the stage and venue. Mallya was certainly not an invitee to the reception at the high commission,” said MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup.