Indra Sen's Correspondence with The Mother

12 August 1946

Unfortunately there was an incident of theft today. A compositor was found at the gate at 11.30 a.m. carrying two pictures of Sri Aurobindo and yourself concealed beneath his clothes. The President of their union and other compositors were witness to it. The accused is under suspension from tomorrow. Meanwhile I await your orders. Should he not be dismissed?

For the theft, I advise you to call with some solemnity the President of their association and speak to him telling him, "This is a disgrace for your association; all those who belong to the labourers' associations and syndicates must give the example of excellent work and perfect honesty, etc. etc. which is a fact among the communists" and after that you can ask him what he thinks the man deserves as punishment. For me, I advise a good warning, make him pay the price of the photographs he has taken and will keep, and tell him that next time he is caught stealing something he will be dismissed.

12 August 1946