Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta, a 1975-batch IAS officer, allegedly died by suicide at his residence in Noida, officials said. Police found the 74–75-year-old retired bureaucrat hanging from a ceiling fan at his flat in Kendriya Vihar-2 Society, Sector 82, on September 6. The authorities received information about the incident through Dial-112 and immediately sent a team from the Phase-2 police station to the residential complex. When officers reached the flat, they found the main door locked from inside. The police broke open the door to enter the premises and found Mehta’s body inside the residence. Officers secured the area and began the initial investigation. The incident has shocked former colleagues and officials who worked with Mehta during his long administrative career. Police have continued to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and have collected evidence from the residence.
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Police Recover Purported Suicide Note
Police also recovered a purported suicide note from the flat during their initial investigation. According to officials, Mehta reportedly mentioned mental and health issues in the note while explaining his decision. However, investigators have not yet established the circumstances that led to his death. A forensic team visited the residence and examined the premises for evidence that could assist the investigation. Officers also collected relevant material from the flat and are examining the available evidence. At the time of the incident, Mehta’s wife, Sumanti Mehta, was in Dehradun to visit their son. She became concerned when Mehta repeatedly failed to answer her calls. The family later received information about the incident. Police are examining the contents of the note and other evidence to determine whether they can establish a clear sequence of events. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and further information could emerge as investigators analyse the evidence.
Authorities completed the required inquest proceedings and conducted a post-mortem examination before handing Mehta’s body over to his family. The family later carried out the last rites at the Lodhi Road crematorium on Monday. Meanwhile, the Noida Phase-2 police station continues to investigate the case. Investigators are examining the purported suicide note, forensic findings and other evidence collected from the residence. Police officials are also working to establish the circumstances that preceded Mehta’s death. Authorities have not indicated any other confirmed reason beyond the information reportedly contained in the note. Investigators will determine the significance and authenticity of the note as part of the inquiry. The police have also considered information from the family and other available sources while examining the case. Officials said they would establish the complete circumstances only after completing the investigation and analysing all relevant evidence.
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Mehta Served as Delhi Chief Secretary
Mehta served as Delhi’s chief secretary from 2007 until his retirement in November 2010 during former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s tenure. His service coincided with the preparations for and organisation of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, when Delhi undertook several major infrastructure and civic development projects. During his administrative career, Mehta held several important positions in the Delhi government and also served as commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. His responsibilities placed him at the centre of several significant administrative and civic initiatives in the national capital. Former colleagues remembered his involvement in projects related to transport, power and other public infrastructure. His tenure as chief secretary covered a period when Delhi faced significant administrative responsibilities linked to the Commonwealth Games and the city’s broader development. His long career made him a prominent figure in Delhi’s administrative establishment.
The Noida Phase-2 police station has continued its investigation into Mehta’s death and is examining all available evidence. Investigators will assess the purported suicide note alongside forensic findings and information gathered from the residence. Police are also expected to consider relevant circumstances surrounding Mehta’s final days as they work to establish what happened. Officials have maintained that the investigation will determine the exact circumstances behind the incident. The authorities have not announced any final conclusion while the inquiry remains underway. Mehta’s death has brought attention to the personal and health challenges mentioned in the purported note, although investigators will determine their relevance to the case. As the inquiry progresses, police are expected to release additional information when appropriate. Officials said they would establish the facts based on evidence collected during the investigation and the findings of the forensic and post-mortem procedures.
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