New Delhi: US-based collector James Otis, who was to auction Mahatma Gandhi's memorabilia in New York, said late on Thursday night that he has decided not to sell the Mahatma’s items.
“I never intended to create the controversy that this has created. I have decided not to sell Gandhi's items and I will request Antiquorum to call off the auction,” Otis said.
However, an official confirmation to call off the auction from the New York-based Antiquorum Auctioneers is awaited in the next few hours.
Sources close to Otis said he will be formally communicating to Antiquorum Auctioneers anytime now. The auction session has already begun however Gandhi’s items are later in the list.
The auction house had earlier told CNN-IBN that they have received no request from Otis and the "auction is still on."
Antiquorum Spokesperson Julian Shaerer had said, “The auction house has not yet called off the auction. It will happen as scheduled.”
Lester Kurtz, the advisor to Otis, had said that he will pull out of the auction. But the auction house Antiquorum says it is unaware of the development.
Gandhiji's possessions were to go under the hammer in New York on Thursday evening.
Bapu's round wire-rim eyeglasses, a 1910 Zenith sterling silver pocket watch, a bowl and plate and a pair of leather sandals were to be auctioned.
The auction by Antiquorum Auctioneers was scheduled to start at 1.30 am Friday (India time). The collection had a reserve price of between $20,000 and $30,000.
According to Government sources, Antiquorum is refusing to withdraw the auction. The sources also added that Otis is not committed to return the items to India.
The Indian Government has been caught unawares for the second time as far as the auction of the Mahatma's items are concerned.
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