Hours after high drama and frenzied bidding, Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings were bought for USD 1.8 million (Rs 9.3 crore) by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who said he "bidded for the country" at the auction after last-ditch attempts by India to stall the sale of the memorabilia fell through.

Just before the auction, owner of the items James Otis had agreed to withdraw them from the auction but the auction house did not agree. It argued that it could have a big liability if it allowed the items to be withdrawn from the auction as more than 30 bidders had already registered for them and some have even sent in written bids.

As soon as the auctioneer announced sold, a large number of Indian-Americans who had come to witness the auction or to bid burst into loud round of applause. The auction activity was suspended for several minutes as the community leaders congratulated each other.

The community leaders expressed relief that the promise of keeping Gandhi's iconic items, including his glasses, sandals, pocket watch, plate and a bowl, in India has been fulfilled.

But the sale would take two weeks to finalise. The items would be kept with the Auctioneer for two weeks to resolve any claims.

Tony Bedi, who bidded on behalf of Mallya said that he was "bidding for the country" and this sale means that Gandhi's items would now return to India.

The US Justice Department, whose intervention was sought by the Indian government to implement the injunction issued by the Delhi High Court against auction of Gandhi's belongings, had earlier sent a notice to Antiquorum Auctioneers that items be not transferred to the buyer and kept in escrow account until it takes a view on the Indian request. But it had allowed the auction go on.

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