Who was Rakesh Mehta? 1975-batch IAS officer and former Delhi Chief Secretary found dead at Noida home; what exactly happened?

Former Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta has died in Noida. The 1975-batch IAS officer was found dead at his residence in Central Vihar-2 society in Sector 82 on Sunday. He was 80. Mehta served as Delhi's Chief Secretary from 2007 to 2010 and played an important role in the administration of the national capital, including preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Advertisement His death has left former colleagues and political leaders remembering him as an experienced administrator who played a key role in several major changes in Delhi. Over three decades in public service Rakesh Mehta had a career spanning more than three decades. During his service, he held several senior positions in the Delhi government as well as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Advertisement He became Delhi's Chief Secretary in 2007 and continued in the post until his retirement in November 2010. Mehta was also associated with several important administrative initiatives, including changes in property tax assessment, reforms in the power sector and improvements in the city's public transport system. Advertisement His last rites were performed at the Lodhi Crematorium on Monday. Remembered for administrative reforms Former Delhi minister Arvinder Singh Lovely recalled Mehta as an officer who was open to new ideas and willing to implement administrative reforms. Advertisement During the period of power-sector reforms in Delhi, Mehta served as the Power Secretary. He was also involved in plans to remove Blue Line buses from Delhi's roads and introduce low-floor buses as part of efforts to improve public transport. Former Delhi Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi also remembered Mehta for his contribution to several important administrative reforms in the capital. Advertisement Role in shaping modern Delhi Mehta was considered close to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and worked on several projects during her tenure. As Chief Secretary and in other senior administrative roles, he was involved in infrastructure and development projects across the city. His work also included the construction of several flyovers and other infrastructure initiatives. Advertisement He played an important administrative role during the preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, one of the biggest international events hosted by Delhi. Education and academic background Mehta completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from St Stephen's College in Delhi. He later earned a master's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University and an MSc from the London School of Economics. Advertisement Former colleagues described him as an administrator who was willing to consider new ideas and focus on implementing practical reforms. His contribution to Delhi's administration, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, transport, taxation and public services, remains an important part of his long career in public service. Advertisement (DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis, please seek immediate professional help. In India, you can contact AASRA (24/7): 91-9820466726 or reach out to a trusted mental health professional, doctor, or local emergency services.)