Even as Mehrangir was auctioned on Wednesday for Rs. 372 crore, the Maharashtra government has urged the Centre to acquire the property and have it declared as a national monument.
“People of the State feel that [Dr. Homi Bhabha’s] residence should be declared as a national monument. The current owner of the building is trying to dispose of the property,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr. Chavan said the bungalow “should be a national monument as it would be a source of inspiration to the people of India, especially the scientific community as well as the youth of the country.”
Requesting urgent action in the matter, Mr. Chavan said, “As minister in charge of Atomic Energy [Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the portfolio], it would be appropriate if the Union Government takes this action.”