Veteran atomic scientist and former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission Dr. Sekhar Basu succumbed to COVID-19 on Thursday at a private hospital in Kolkata, a health department official said. Basu was 68 at the time of his death.

"Dr. Basu was suffering from COVID-19 and other kidney ailments. He died at 4.50 am today," said the official while quoted by 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.