BHUBANESWAR: Arun Kumar Samantray, a 1975- batch IAS officer, passed away here on Sunday following a massive heart attack. He was 60. He is survived by his wife and three children. Prior to the heart attack, he fell down in his bathroom and was taken to Apollo Hospitals but was declared brought- dead.
Samantray had retired from service as chairman-cum-managing director of the Orissa State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) on August 31, 2011.
A distinguished administrator, Samantray had served in many key positions in the Government. He was principal secretary to the then chief minister Giridhar Gamang in 1999. Besides, he was the commissioner, Commercial Taxes, for a long period. He also served as secretary of different departments.
Samantray made a name as an able administrator by serving as collector in different districts, including undivided Koraput. He was also Utkal University administrator for some time.
His father, Pyarimohan Samantray was also collector of undivided Cuttack district. Mourning Arun Samantray, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the State had lost an able and efficient administrator. He served with distinction in all the posts, Naveen said and added he endeared himself to people because of his simple nature. His death has cast a pall of gloom among his erstwhile colleagues and friends.