Who Was Rakesh Mehta? Former Delhi Chief Secretary Found Dead, 'Suicide Note' Recovered
Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta has died at the age of 74 in Noida, with police investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. A 1975-batch IAS officer, Mehta served as Delhi Chief Secretary from 2007 to 2010 and played a key role in urban reforms, transport modernisation and the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta has died at the age of 74 under tragic circumstances at his residence in Noida. A distinguished 1975-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, Mehta was widely respected for his administrative acumen, having steered the capital through major infrastructure projects and the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
As per a report by India Today, the retired bureaucrat allegedly died by suicide at his flat located in the Kendriya Vihar-2 Society in Sector 82, Noida. Police authorities reported that local law enforcement officers broke open the residential door after family members raised concerns over unanswered phone calls, subsequently recovering a handwritten note citing health and personal difficulties. Kuku Kohli Funeral: Aruna Irani Pays Emotional Final Tribute to Her Husband.
Administrative Career and Key Reforms in Delhi
Mehta enjoyed a career spanning over three decades, holding crucial administrative positions across the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Serving as Chief Secretary from 2007 until his retirement in November 2010, he played a pioneering role in executing structural urban reforms, including power sector privatisation, the restructuring of property tax assessment systems, and the transition from Blueline transport vehicles to modern low-floor buses.
Former colleagues and political leaders, including former Delhi minister Arvinder Singh Lovely, noted that Mehta was exceptionally receptive to progressive policy implementation. During his tenure as MCD Commissioner and Principal Secretary for Transport, he drove initiatives designed to optimize public service delivery and streamline civic management across the national capital region. Dolly Parton Dies: Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Pay Heartfelt Tributes to Legendary Singer.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Inquiries
Local forensic teams examined the premises following the discovery, gathering physical evidence and reviewing the contents of the recovered note. Initial findings indicate that underlying health concerns contributed to the tragic incident, while formal investigations by local authorities remain active to ascertain all circumstances surrounding his death.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 10:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
