Ranchi, Sept. 6 -- Jharkhand Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in Giridih in the early hours of Sunday, people aware of the development said.

The 56-year-old Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and two-term Giridih MLA had complained of discomfort at his residence before being rushed to the hospital, where he died during treatment.

"He was taken to a private hospital in Giridih but could not survive. Official announcement would be made soon," a senior official said.

JMM leader and state transport minister Deepak Birua said in a social media post, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague and fellow minister in the Jharkhand government, Sudivya Sonu ji. His...