Rakesh Mehta had spent decades in Delhi’s administration and served as the capital’s Chief Secretary during the 2010 Commonwealth Games preparations.
On 6 September, the former IAS officer was found dead at his rented flat in Noida’s Sector 82.
Police later recovered a purported one-page note from the residence. It referred to prolonged illness, while police said Mehta had been dealing with health problems including hypertension and diabetes.
What happened at the flat, and what has the police investigation found so far?
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What happened at his Noida home?
Mehta lived alone at Kendriya Vihar-II in Sector 82, Noida.
According to police, his family members were unable to reach him by phone on the afternoon of 6 September. His wife and son were in Dehradun at the time. After repeated calls went unanswered, the family contacted the housing society's security staff.
A call was made to the police at around 1.28 pm.
Officers from the Phase 2 police station reached the flat and found Mehta dead inside. A forensic team was also called to the spot as part of the initial investigation.
Police later recovered a one-page note from the residence.
According to police-based reports, the note referred to Mehta's health problems and stated that no one should be held responsible for his death. Reports have also said that he was suffering from conditions including hypertension and diabetes.
Police have treated the death as suicide and have not indicated any suspicion of foul play at this stage.
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Who was Rakesh Mehta?
Mehta was a 1975-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre.
He held several senior administrative positions in Delhi before becoming Chief Secretary. He also served as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for around three years.
His work included responsibilities connected with Delhi's civic infrastructure, transport and power sectors.
Mehta became Delhi's Chief Secretary in 2007 during Sheila Dikshit's tenure as Chief Minister.
He remained in the position until his retirement in November 2010.
That period was significant for Delhi because the city was preparing to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Mehta was among the senior administrators involved in the preparations for the event.
His administrative career also included work on Delhi's public transport system and infrastructure.
His role during the Commonwealth Games
The 2010 Commonwealth Games brought major construction and infrastructure projects to Delhi.
The city expanded and upgraded roads, transport systems and other public facilities ahead of the Games.
Mehta was Delhi's Chief Secretary during the final phase of those preparations. This placed him at the centre of the city's administration as officials worked towards hosting the international sporting event.
The Games opened in October 2010, shortly before Mehta's retirement from the post.
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What action has Noida Police taken?
The police have begun an investigation into the circumstances of Mehta's death.
Investigators examined the residence and a forensic team collected evidence from the scene. Police also recovered the purported suicide note.
A post-mortem examination was conducted before Mehta's body was handed over to his family. His last rites were performed at the Lodhi Road crematorium in Delhi on 7 September.
Police are examining the available evidence and the contents of the note as part of the investigation.
At present, police have not publicly reported evidence suggesting foul play. The note reportedly referred to his prolonged health problems and said that no one was responsible for his death.
The investigation is continuing.
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TL;DR | News At a Glance
Who was Rakesh Mehta?
Rakesh Mehta was a 1975-batch IAS officer who served as Delhi Chief Secretary from 2007 to 2010 under Sheila Dikshit.
What was his role in Delhi?
His tenure included preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, along with work in Delhi's civic, transport and infrastructure sectors.
What happened to him?
He was found dead at his rented residence in Sector 82, Noida, on 6 September 2026.
What did the police find?
Police recovered a purported one-page note from the flat and began investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
What is the status of the investigation?
Police have examined the residence, conducted forensic procedures and a post-mortem, while the investigation remains ongoing.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, India's government-run Tele-MANAS mental health service is available 24/7 at 14416.
