Burha Xattriya of Barpeta Xatra Basistha Dev Sarma was tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Tuesday.

Basistha Dev Sarma's daughter-in-law and one of his grandchildren have also been infected with the virus. A rapid antigen test confirmed the detection of COVID-19 for all of them.

According to sources, the Burra Xattriya would be shortly admitted to Dr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital in Barpeta for treatment of the disease.

The recipient of the Shrimanta SankarDev Award in 2017, the Burha Xattriya has been playing a pivotal role in community building of the district.

Basistha Dev Sarma was born at Sundaridiya, Barpeta in 1938. He became the 'Deka Xattriya' of Barpeta Xatra in 1993, and was inducted as the 'Burha Xattriya' of the Xatra in 2007.