Bhubaneswar: Former DGP of Odisha, John Nayak, succumbed to COVID-19 at a hospital on Thursday night, informed Odisha DGP Abhay in a tweet today.

The 1965 batch Odisha-cadre retired IPS officer John Nayak was undergoing treatment at a COVID hospital after being infected with the deadly virus.

On demise of the former DGP, Abhay paid his tribute to the departed soul.

Born in 1942 in tribal district Kandhamal John Nayak had served people especially the poor, marginalised and unprivileged during his service career.

He was appointed to various important posts in the police and he had successfully delivered his duties. He was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1995 and President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2002.

After his retirement, he was associated with several organisations engaged in social service.