Heritage furniture linked to Chandigarh withdrawn from Paris auction after govt intervention

Chandigarh, Jun 24 (PTI) Heritage furniture linked to Chandigarh, which was scheduled to be auctioned in Paris on June 25, has been withdrawn from the sale following the intervention of the Chandigarh Administration, officials said on Wednesday. The administration acted on the directions of Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and took up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), seeking urgent diplomatic intervention. The Culture Department of the Chandigarh Administration, under the supervision of Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, pursued the matter with the Centre after learning about the proposed auction. According to officials, the MEA informed the administration that the items had been withdrawn from the auction following efforts by the Embassy of India in France. Describing the development as a major success in protecting Chandigarh's heritage, the administration thanked the MEA, the Indian Embassy in France and other authorities for their timely support. The administration said it would continue to take all necessary steps for the verification, recovery and repatriation of the heritage items. Officials said the move reflects the government's commitment to preserving Chandigarh's cultural and architectural heritage. PTI VSD NB NB