An Indian businessman paid US$1.8 million (S$2.79 million) for personal effects that once belonged to Mahatma Gandhi in a New York auction.

The auction was sharply criticised in India, especially by Gandhi's great-grandson, who tried to stop the auction. Many viewed the items as part of the national heritage and wanted them placed in a museum. Although the sale did go ahead, there was still some question mark as to whether it was legal. The winning bidder said he wanted to return the items to the Indian government.

--Reuters

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