Former chairman of India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Rahul Khullar passed away yesterday morning in New Delhi owing to a prolonged illness.

Khullar, a 1975-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed as TRAI chief in May 2012. He served at TRAI for three years, newspapers reported.

Expressing his condolences NITI Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar tweeted: “Just heard very sad news of Rahul Khullar’s passing away. Known him since 1969 when we were together in St Stephen’s, then in MoF & again in ADB. One of the sharpest minds with impeccable integrity. Deepest condolences to Sindhushree. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.”

Before TRAI, Khullar had served in the government at various ministries in senior positions.

“Deeply shocked and saddened by the passing away of Rahul Khullar. Was a close endearing friend. Had a sophisticated understanding of complex economic issues. A man of amazing rectitude. May his soul rest in peace,” tweeted N K Singh, 15th Finance Commission chairman.