(Image source from: Dr Homi J Bhabha's iconic bungalow sells at Rs 372 crore})

Dr Homi J Bhabha's iconic bungalow, named 'Mehrangir', went under the hammer and sold at a whopping price of Rs 372 crore. Dr Bhabha is the father of India's atomic energy programme.

The bid to auction the iconic bunglow was opposed by certain groups, who were demanding that it be converted into a museum.

The identity of the winning bidder has not been disclosed on request. The winning bidder will get a sprawling property at Mumbai's plush Malabar Hill. Auction for the prime property was held at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), which was the custodian of 'Mehrangir'.

The reserve price of the iconic bungalow was Rs 257 crore and the winning bidder paid Rs 115 crore more for the property.

NCPA has revealed that the winning bidder has requested that his identity should not be revealed at this stage.

Mehrangir is a three-storey bungalow constructed on a plot measuring 1,593 square metre, with a built-up area of more than 15,000 square feet. The estate offers a beautiful view of the sea.

Dr. Bhaba died in a plane crash in 1966. After his death, his brother Jamshed, known to be a patron of art and culture, was its custodian. Jamshed died in 2007, following which the property was transferred to NCPA. He was a patron of NCPA and nurtured it.

A group of employees of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have favoured Mehrangir as an atomic energy museum. They are against the sale of the iconic bungalow. Recently they had sent petitions to Centre and also moved the Bombay High Court regarding the issue.

The Bombay High Court refused to issue a stay order against the sale, but the matter was posted for hearing on June 23. The High Court says that if required the auction can be revoked.

(Picture Source: dnaindia.com)

(AW: Pratima Tigga)