Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta has died at his residence in Noida, with police saying the veteran IAS officer died by suicide. Mehta, who served as Delhi’s chief secretary during the tenure of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, was 74.
Key Headlines
- Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta has died in Noida.
- Mehta served as Delhi’s chief secretary from 2007 to 2010.
- He was a 1975-batch IAS officer.
- His tenure included preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
- Police recovered a purported note at his residence.
- An investigation into the circumstances is underway.
According to police reports, Mehta was found dead at his Sector 82 residence in Noida on September 6. His family became concerned after they were unable to reach him by phone and contacted security staff at the residential complex. Police and forensic teams subsequently examined the residence.
Police said a purported one-page note was recovered from the residence. Reports indicate that Mehta referred to mental and health issues in the note. Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and other evidence collected during the investigation.
Mehta had a long career in public administration. A 1975-batch IAS officer, he served in several important positions in the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. He became Delhi’s chief secretary in 2007 and remained in the position until his retirement in November 2010.
His period as chief secretary coincided with preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. He was also associated with major transport, power and civic infrastructure initiatives in the national capital.
Former colleagues have remembered Mehta as an efficient administrator who was receptive to new ideas. His career included work related to power-sector reforms, transport planning and civic administration. He also served as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Mehta’s death has prompted attention across administrative and political circles because of his long association with Delhi’s governance. His career spanned more than three decades and included several important responsibilities during periods of major infrastructure development.
His funeral was held at the Lodhi Road crematorium on Monday after the completion of the post-mortem and related procedures. Police said further investigation is continuing.
The death has also renewed attention on the importance of mental-health support, particularly for people experiencing prolonged health difficulties or emotional distress. Anyone experiencing a mental-health crisis should seek immediate support from a qualified professional, trusted person or local emergency service.
