Mallya gets back Gandhi items for $1.8m
Friday, March 6, 2009

The much controversial auction sale of the Mahatma Gandhi's items by the US based auction house was finally saved by an Indian businessman.

The owner of the collections though made a final minute attempt to stall the auction, the auction house proceeded with it on Thursday.

And it took a final twist with the Bangalore based liquor baron Vijay Mallya offering to acquire the items at a whopping $1.8 million. Mallya is  the Chairman of the United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines.

Toni Bedi who won the bid on behalf of Mallya said that Mallya intended to return the Gandhi personal belongings which include wire-rim eyeglasses, a pair of leather sandals, a pocket watch, a plate and the brass bowl to thes Indian government.
--MP