'Government agencies helped Mallya to flee'

'There are two non-resident Indians gifted by Modiji in 20 months -- first NRI is Lalit Modi -- Non Returning Indian and second NRI is Vijay Mallya -- Non Repaying Indian.'

Keeping up the offensive on the Vijay Mallya issue, Congress on Friday alleged the businessman was ‘made to run away with active abetment’ of government agencies.

Party's chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala told reporters that ‘sensational facts’ have come in public domain reflecting a certain complicity of Bharatiya Janata Party leadership and Modi government in Mallya leaving the country.

"Facts now seem to suggest that Mallya has not left the country but made to run away with active abetment of government agencies," he claimed.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "There are two non-resident Indians gifted by Modiji in 20 months -- first NRI is Lalit Modi -- Non Returning Indian and second NRI is Vijay Mallya -- Non Repaying Indian."

Noting that on July 29 last year, a Central Bureau of Investigation case was registered against Mallya, he said on October 12, the agency issued a look-out notice to detain the person concerned.

"CBI unilaterally amended the notice and on November 23, 2015 amends its look-out notice to say -- only send information.

“All this is happening when there is a money laundering probe going on by Enforcement Directorate, when Serious Fraud Investigation Office is examining a case against Mallya and his companies," he said.

Besides, he wondered as to why the banks, "which directly or indirectly come under the Finance Ministry" failed to move the Supreme Court to get their dues by March 5 even though they were advised to do so on February 29 so that Mallya does not leave the country.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi must answer to the nation.

“It must also be answered why was the look-out notice of CBI -- which was for detention, was toned down to information notice.

“Secondly, when specific information was received on March 2, from immigration authorities to CBI that he was leaving the country, why was no action taken," he added.

Besides he sought to know whether some back-channel understanding of some "fair-and-lovely" scheme was on with Mallya under which penalty and interest will be waived, and government will project itself as a "fair-and-lovely" government.

"There is a constitutional obligation on Finance Minister and Prime Minister to take Parliament and the country into confidence" if any such back channel understanding was on, Surjewala added.

Replying to a question, he wanted action against officials of CBI, officials of Finance Ministry and, if necessary, after due enquiry, against this Consortium of Banks who have ‘jeopardised’ the recovery of Rs 9,091 crore (Rs 90.91 billion).

Image: A file photograph of Vijay Mallya. Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images