Khushwant Singh dies at 99

Writer, historian and columnist Khushwant Singh died of cardiac arrest at his residence here on Thursday morning. He was 99.

The mortal remains of Mr. Singh were consigned to the flames later in afternoon, but not before the family donated his eyes as per his wish.

The renowned journalist’s son, Rahul, said he was perfectly fine in the morning and “had his favourite malt whisky, his first meal of the day.”

Condoling his death, President Pranab Mukherjee described Mr Singh as a “fearless intellectual.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described the journalist as a “gifted author, candid commentator and a dear friend who lived a truly creative life.”