Mahatma Gandhi`s grandson dies at 87

Mahatma Gandhi`s grandson Kanu Gandhi died at the age of 87 late Monday, two weeks after being admitted to hospital in western Gujarat state following a stroke.

One of the several grandchildren of India`s famous independence leader, Kanu was a scientist for NASA but spent the final months of his life living an ashram in Surat, Gujarat.

"Kanu kaka had suffered a stroke and had been in the hospital since October 26. Since the last couple of days, he was on ventilator support," Parimal Desai from the ashram told AFP.

Prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences, saying he was "pained by the demise of Kanubhai Gandhi".