UK: Mahatma Gandhi's letters against his son up for auction

London, May 15: Three

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, expressing his concern over the behaviour of his eldest son, Harilal, will go under the hammer at an

in England next week. Mullock's Auctioneers, based out of Shropshire county is hoping to fetch between 50,000 and 60,000 pounds for the set of three letters written by the Mahatma in June 1935.

Interestingly, the letters provide a lot of interesting information about the relationship that the son and the father shared and also some gory facts about Harilal's character.

In one of the letters, Mahatma Gandhi was found saying,"You should know that your problem has become much more difficult for me even then our national freedom."

In another, referring to his grand-daughter and Harilal's daughter Manu, Gandhi said,"Manu is telling me number of dangerous things about you. She says that you had raped her before eight years and she was so much hurt that medical treatment was also to be taken."

In a statement, Mullock said,"The letters are written in Gujarati and are in good condition. These have come via descent from a branch of Gandhi's family to the present vendor. As far as we are aware they have never before been seen in public and as such they provide remarkable new information on the troubled relationship Gandhi had with his son."

Harilal Gandhi wished to study in England to become a barrister like his father, but the latter refused saying that this would not be helpful in India's struggle for independence. This led to Harilal renouncing all family ties in 1911 and his troubled relationship with his father began from there.

In another letter, Gandhi said,"Please let me have pure truth please tell me if still you are interested in alcohol and debauchery. I wish that you better die rather than resort to alcohol in any manner."

The letters will be sold at Mullock's Historical Documents Sale at Ludlow Racecourse on May 22.

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