Mallya was not an invitee to the reception at the High Commission: MEA

The government clarified that the liquor baron, who is wanted in India, did not attend that event.

The government further said Indian High Commissioner Navtej Sarna left the stage and venue of a book launch event recently after spotting liquor baron Vijay Mallya in the audience.

The event was held in London on June 16.

"Please note that 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," read the MEA statement issued on Saturday.

"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. 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. 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," it said.

Mallya, who is wanted in India, was spotted at a book launch event here this week,media reports said.

The event was reportedly attended by Indian High Commissioner Navtej Sarna.

Socialite Suhel Seth's new book, which is titled 'Mantras for Success: India's Greatest CEOs Tell You How to Win', was launched recently in the city. Mallya reportedly attended the event.

Seth said any one could attend the book launch as it was an open event.

Speaking on the matter, Seth tweeted: "About @TheVijayMallya at my book launch. It was an open @SAsiaLSE & advertised on Twitter. No specific invitations. Anyone could attend."

"Post the book launch there was a reception hosted by @HCI_London to which neither was @TheVijayMallya invited nor did he attend! Simple," he said.

"And upon realising that @TheVijayMallya was in the audience as any other person, @NavtejSarna left before the Q&A expressing displeasure," he said.

"I hope this clarifies the issue and those making baseless allegations can breathe easy again. Why can't we ever base stories on facts? #Book," he said.

Mallya has been declared a proclaimed offender in a money laundering case.