Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta Dies by Suicide

Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta died by suicide at his residence in Noida, officials said. Mehta, a 1975 batch Indian Administrative Service officer, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his Sector 82 residence on September 6, 2026. Police recovered a purported suicide note at the scene, which cited mental and health issues as the reasons behind his decision. Mehta, 74, served as Delhi's chief secretary for over three years, from 2007 until his retirement in November 2010, during the tenure of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. His time in office coincided with the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. He was also credited with the execution of several key transport, power, and civic infrastructure projects in the city. According to officials, the door to Mehta's flat was locked from the inside, prompting police to break it open to gain entry. A forensic team examined the residence as part of the initial investigation. Mehta's wife, Sumanti Mehta, was reportedly in Dehradun visiting their son at the time of the incident and became concerned after her husband did not respond to her calls.