Despite the last minute change of mind by the US based James Otis owner of Mahatma Gandhi’s personal objects, the items went under the hammer in New York today (Thusrday Afternoon New York time). Indian bussiness tycoon Vijay Mallya bought the memorabilia items for $1.8 million. Bidding began at $20,000 and rose to the final price within seven minutes. The second highest bid was $1.75 million submitted online from Britain. The US justice department has asked the Antiquorum Auctioneers to hold the lot for two weeks pending a resolution between the new owner, the US and Indian Government.
Tony Bedhi - a representative for Mallya did the bidding. He later informed that the items would be returned to India for public display. It is not clear though if the items would be handed over to the Indian government.
It has been reported that confusion prevailed at the Antiquorum Auctioneers. The chairman of Antiquorum Auctioneers Robert Maron announced that despite news that Otis had decided to pull out, the auction would proceed. Shortly afterwards Ravi Batra a lawyer who said he was representing Otis pro bono, entered the auction house and announced that Otis wishes to halt the sale. Within an hour, Batra was escorted out from the auction house by the staff.

Vijay Mallya owns the United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines
The owner James Otis was earlier demanding budgetary increases in India’s spending on the poor in exchange for the memorabilia. New Delhi was irritated with the demands put forward by Mr Otis. Sources said that the government feels Mr Otis cannot dictate terms. Earlier Sant Singh Chatwal an US-Indian businessman had called on the Indian community to join the bid to secure Mahatma Gandhi memorabilia.
Its interesting to note that Mallya had earlier bought the Sword of Tipu Sultan - another item of Indian heritage for Rs 4 crore and brought it back to India.