New Delhi, Sep 15 (UNI) Describing as 'baseless' the allegation made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that CBI Joint Director, A K Sharma had weakened fugitive Vijay Mallya’s “Look Out” notice, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday reiterated that the decision to change the Lookout Circular ( LOC) against Vijay Mallya was taken because at the time there was not sufficient grounds for the agency to detain and arrest him.
“Some baselss allegations have been made by certain individuals against a senior officer of CBI. As has been stated a number of times earlier, the decision to change the LOC against Vijay Mallya was taken because at the time there was not sufficient grounds for CBI to detain and arrest him,” the agency said in a statement.
The CBI said that the decision was taken at the appropriate level as a part of the process and not individually by the officer as alleged.
The agency said it had received complaint against Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi from PNB almost a month after they had left the country.
'Therefore, the question of any CBI officer having any hand in their fleeing the country does not arise,'it said.
“ Prompt action was taken by CBI in the case immediately after the complaint was received from the bank,” it stated.
Earlier in the day, Congress president alleged that AK Sharma, who, he said, is PM's blue-eyed-boy in the CBI, weakened Mallya’s “Look Out” notice, allowing him to escape.
Mr Rahul further alleged that the same officer was in charge of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi’s escape plans.'

On Friday, Rahul had alleged that the PM was involved in facilitating the escape of Mallya.
UNI DS AR 1853