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.”
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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.”