India recorded its first coronavirus death after a 76-year-old man, who passed away on Wednesday, tested positive for the fatal virus.

Karnataka's Health Minister, B Sriramulu, confirmed Mohammad Hussain Siddiqui had died of coronavirus on his way back to Kalaburagi.

The 76 year old man from Kalburgi who passed away & was a suspected #COVID19 patient has been Confirmed for #COVID19. The necessary contact tracing, isolation & other measures as per protocol are being carried out.

— B Sriramulu (@sriramulubjp) March 12, 2020

The minister added that necessary measures like contact tracing, isolation of suspected persons have been initiated. 

The Union Health Ministry confirming the case added that Siddiqui was in Saudi Arabia from January 29 to February 29. Siddiqui was also known to have Hypertension and Asthma.

Siddiqui was admitted to a private hospital in Kalaburagi a few days ago after he complained of breathing problems and cough.

His throat swabs were collected three days ago and sent to the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute for testing.

Meanwhile, the patient's relatives took him to the Care Hospital at Hyderabad against medical advice. The Hyderabad hospital discharged Siddiqui on Tuesday asking them to get treatment at Kalaburagi only.

According to health officials, he was brought dead to the Gulbarga Institute of Medical College Hospital at 11.00 pm.

With his death, the total number of coronavirus cases in the country has risen to 79. 

Coronavirus LIVE UPDATES