Sekhar Basu, veteran atomic scientist and former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, succumbed to COVID-19 early on Thursday.

The 68-year-old scientist was admitted to a private hospital In Kolkata.

“Dr Basu was suffering from COVID-19 and other kidney ailments. He died at 4.50 am,” said an official statement.

The late scientist, who was a mechanical engineer, is revered for his contributions to the country’s atomic energy programme.

He was awarded Padma Shri in 2014.

Sekhar Basu had also pioneered the highly complex reactor for India’s first nuclear-powered submarine INS Ariha.

Condoling his death, DoNER minister Jitendra Singh tweeted saying, “Pained to share the sad news of the demise of Dr Shekhar Basu, former Chairman Atomic Energy Commission &Secretary, who was suffering from COVID with Comorbidity and was admitted in a Kolkata hospital. Dr Basu & I had worked closely together during the first term of  Modi Govt.”