KOLKATA: Veteran atomic scientist and former chairman of
Atomic Energy Commission Dr
Sekhar Basu succumbed to
COVID-19 early on Thursday at a private hospital here, a health department official said. He was 68.
"Dr Basu was suffering from COVID-19 and other kidney ailments. He died at 4.50 am," the official told PTI.
A mechanical engineer, Dr Basu is revered for his contributions to the country's atomic energy programme.
He was awarded Padma Shri in 2014.
He had also pioneered the highly complex reactor for India's first nuclear-powered submarine
INS Arihant.