Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta died by suicide due to health reasons: Police

Rakesh Mehta, a 75-year-old retired IAS from Delhi, allegedly died by suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan of his home in Noida, Phase 2, on Sunday, police said on Tuesday.

They added that a suicide note was recovered from the spot in which the retired official mentioned prolonged illness and added that no one was responsible for his act.

Police said the retired 1975 batch IAS, who originally hailed from Dehradun, resided alone at a rented accommodation in Kendriya Vihar 2 Society in Noida, Phase 2. His wife, who is also a retired IAS officer, resides with two children, a son and a daughter, in their native hometown of Dehradun.

On Sunday, around 1.30 pm, police received information on an emergency helpline number that a retired officer was found dead at his residence. "When we reached the spot, the main entrance of the house was open, and he was hanging from the ceiling fan," said a police officer, part of the investigation, requesting anonymity.

According to the police, the incident came to light after his phone went unanswered, and his wife alerted the society's security to check on him. The last conversation, the official had with his family late Saturday evening, and police said they did not suspect anything unusual.

"A suicide note was recovered from the spot in which he mentioned that he was taking an extreme step due to prolonged illness, and no one is responsible."

Diksha Singh, assistant commissioner of police, Central Noida, also confirmed to HT that he died by suicide on Sunday.

Police investigation revealed that the retired IAS was suffering from multiple illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, etc.

His colleague, identified as the former chief secretary of Delhi, also paid tribute and expressed condolences on social media after his death.

Police said the body was handed over to his family after legal procedures, and further investigation is underway.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.

Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000; ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290