Justice R K Patra, who was probing the multi-crore chitfund scam in Odisha, passed away today at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack following a brief illness.
Justice Patra, 73, was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital on Monday following breathing problem and chest pain, hospital officials said.
With acute pneumonia and other problems, Justice Patra was put on ventilator support and the hospital had formed a special team of doctors, said emergency officer of the hospital, B N Moharana.
Justice Patra was heading the one-man inquiry commission constituted by the state government in July, 2013 to probe the chitfund scam in which a large number of people have lost their money.
The probe panel was hearing the complaints of people who had invested money in ponzi scheme companies and was to give suggestions regarding steps for return of money to the investors.
