Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta died by suicide due to health reasons: Police | India News - Hindustan Times

**Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta Found Dead in Noida Flat, Police Say Suicide Linked to Health Issues**

New Delhi – Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta was discovered dead on **Saturday, 6 September 2026**, at his residence in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. According to the Uttar Pradesh police, the 66‑year‑old senior bureaucrat was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his flat. A handwritten note recovered at the scene cited deteriorating health as the primary reason for taking his own life. The police have registered the case as a suicide and are conducting a routine post‑mortem and forensic examination, while confirming that no foul play is suspected.

Rakesh Mehta, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1983 batch, served as Delhi’s chief secretary from 2018 to 2020, overseeing the capital’s administrative machinery during a period marked by extensive policy reforms and pandemic response efforts. Prior to his Delhi posting, he held key positions in the ministries of Home Affairs and Finance, and later served as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Mehta retired from active service in early 2024 and was residing in Noida, a customary choice for many retired Delhi officials due to its proximity to the capital.

The tragic demise has prompted condolences from senior government officials, including Delhi’s current chief secretary, who described Mehta as “a dedicated public servant and a mentor to many.” The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) community has also expressed sorrow, urging a broader dialogue on mental‑health challenges faced by senior bureaucrats. While the investigation proceeds, authorities have reiterated the need for supportive mechanisms for officials dealing with health and personal stresses.

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