Former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and veteran atomic scientist Dr Sekhar Basu, who had earlier tested positive for novel coronavirus, died at a private hospital in Kolkata on Thursday. He was 68.
Dr Basu, who was awarded Padma Shri in 2014, was suffering from Covid-19 and other kidney ailments, an official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. He passed away at 4.50 am on Thursday.
Dr Basu, a mechanical engineer, is revered for his contributions to the country's atomic energy programme. He had also pioneered the highly complex reactor for India's first nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant.
(With inputs from PTI)