PUNE: After a prolonged illness, renowned industrialist Rahul Bajaj, the doyen of the Bajaj Group, died in Pune. He was 83 years old.

He was born in Kolkata in 1938 and had been battling cancer for a long period before succumbing about 2.30 p.m. on Saturday. Bajaj took over the Bajaj Group in 1965, and under his leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest in the subcontinent.

Rahul Bajaj, who was born on June 10, 1938, was the chairman of the Bajaj Group for more than 40 years. Rahul Bajaj stepped down as chairman of Bajaj Auto in April of last year and is now Chairman Emeritus of the company.

In 2001, Rahul Bajaj received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour. Bajaj was also a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, paid tribute to Rahul Bajaj, saying, "My sincere condolences to Rahul Bajaj ji, a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former chairman of Bajaj Industries. For many years, I have had a personal friendship with Padma Bhushan awardee Rahul ji."

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