Mallya Brings Back Bapu's Belongings To India

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oi-Staff

By Staff

Saturday, March 7, 2009, 11:24

The controversy surrounding the auction of Mahatma Gandhi's items finally comes to rest. Emerging victorious is making sure that the items return to India, the Liquor Baron VJ Mallya is the latest hero of the nation.

Reportedly, Mallya has paid 1.8 million dollars for five items belonging to Bapu. The auctions went ahead in spite of repeated protests from India and United States-based owner James Otis' last-minute attempt to halt it.

Mallya stated that he has done the deed for the pride of the country and also plans to return the items back to the Indian government. The items are Gandhi's iconic round glasses, a pocket watch, leather sandals, plate and bowl.

Otis decided at the last minute to withdraw, only after the auctions had began. However, the sale is yet to be finalized as the New York based Antiquorum auction house is waiting for any legal issues to be resolved.

"The items would be kept with the Auctioneer for two weeks to resolve any claims," a spokesperson for Antiquorum Auctioneers said. This is not the first time Mallya has fought for the pride of the nation, four years ago he had bought the Tipu Sultan's sword back to India for a whooping four crores.

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