Vijay Mallya on book launch row: Not a gatecrasher, will never be one

Vijay Mallya, declared a proclaimed offender in a money laundering case, yesterday said he was not a "gate crasher," suggesting that he was invited to the book launch event here, which was also attended by the Indian High Commissioner

London: Vijay Mallya, declared a proclaimed offender in a money laundering case, yesterday said he was not a "gate crasher," suggesting that he was invited to the book launch event here, which was also attended by the Indian High Commissioner.

Vijay Mallya

The Indian High Commissioner Navtej Sarna’s presence at the event last Thursday where Mallya was spotted sparked a row following which External Affairs Ministry on Saturday issued a clarification that Mallya was not on the list of invitees of the event organiser.

"Never gatecrashed in my life... I am not a gatecrasher and would never be one," Mallya tweeted yesterday, responding to the claims that he was not among the invitees.

The MEA had said the High Commissioner left the stage and venue immediately after making his comments when he spotted Mallya. Mallya, who had walked in soon after the event started, tweeted, "I went for my friend – the author. Sat quietly with my daughter and listened. Headline news and unfounded speculation followed."

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