Gandhi memorabilia sold for $1.8 mn

NEW YORK - Despite intense protests from Indian government, a set of Mahatma Gandhi’s personal items were sold for $1.8 million at an auction in New York Thursday.

However, the US justice department has asked the New York’s Antiquorum Auctioneers auction house to hold the lot for two weeks pending a resolution between the new owner, and the US and Indian governments.

Gandhi’s iconic round-rimmed spectacles, a 1910 silver Zenith pocket watch, sandals, a bowl, a ‘thali’ (plate) and letters of authenticity were bought by an Indian bidder.

Tony Bedi placed the winning bid at the auction despite protests in India and an injunction from a New Delhi court seeking to halt the sale.

Sources said the items were bought on behalf of liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya.

Bidding began at $20,000 and rose to the final price within seven minutes.

Earlier, media reports said James Otis, the owner of the memorabilia, had agreed to call off the auction.