Rahul Bajaj passes away at 83

Under his leadership, Bajaj launched popular models like the Chetak and Priya.

Rahul Bajaj, Chairman Emeritus, Bajaj Auto, has passed away. Mr Bajaj was suffering from pneumonia and had a heart problem. He was 83.

Rahul Bajaj was the father of the Bajaj Group and set up Bajaj Auto in the 1940s. Under his leadership, Bajaj launched popular models like the Chetak and Priya. By the 1980s, the brand had grown into one of the largest 2-wheeler makers in the world.

In 2005, Rahul Bajaj handed over the reins of the company to his son Rajiv Bajaj. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha between 2006 and 2010.

Bajaj was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001.