Swami Agnivesh, social activist, dies at 80 in Delhi

Social activist Swami Agnivesh died at the age of 80 at a Delhi Hospital, doctors said on Friday. He was suffering from liver cirrhosis for a long time.

Agnivesh was critically ill and admitted to the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences on Tuesday. He remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a few days.

He was suffering from liver cirrhosis and died today due to multi-organ failure as his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest at 6 pm,” a spokesperson of the hospital said.

Resuscitation was attempted but he passed away at 6:30 pm, he said.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were among those who condoled his demise.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of social activist & champion of women”s rights Swami Agnivesh Ji. My condolences to his admirers & followers.  RIP,” Puri tweeted.

“Grieved at the passing of Swami Agnivesh, who gave up a career as a professor in Kolkata to fight for many causes. My condolences to his friends and followers,” Banerjee posted on Twitter.

Gandhi called his demise an “irreparable loss” to the country.

“Swami Agnivesh, the founder of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and revolutionary leader of Arya Samaj passed away today. His demise is an irreparable loss to the entire country and Arya Samaj. My humble tribute to him,” he posted on Twitter in Hindi.