Delhi: Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta, a 1975-batch IAS officer who played a role in several civic, transport and power-sector reforms in Delhi, has died by suicide at his Noida residence, police said.

Rakesh Mehta, who served as Delhi's chief secretary from 2007 until his retirement in November 2010, died at his residence in Noida, according to police.

Police said Mehta was living alone in Noida while his family was staying in Dehradun. They also said he died due to health reasons.

Mehta had a career spanning more than three decades in the Indian Administrative Service and held several senior positions in the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Mehta's career in Delhi administration

During his tenure in the administration, Mehta was associated with several major reforms and policy initiatives affecting Delhi's civic infrastructure and public services.

His work included changes to property tax assessment, measures related to power privatisation, plans concerning the phase-out of Blueline buses and the introduction of low-floor buses.

He served as Delhi chief secretary from 2007 to 2010 before retiring from government service in November 2010.

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Former colleagues recall his administrative style

Former colleagues and political figures remembered Mehta as an administrator known for efficiency and openness to new ideas.

His career included involvement in reforms across multiple sectors at a time when Delhi was undergoing significant changes in its transport, power and civic systems.

His death has prompted tributes from people who worked with him during his long career in public administration.

What is known about the case

Police have attributed the death to suicide and said health-related reasons were involved. Mehta was reportedly living alone in Noida, with his family away in Dehradun.

Further details about the circumstances surrounding his death have not been included in the information currently available.

Mehta's career spanned a period when Delhi's administration undertook significant changes in areas including public transport, electricity distribution and municipal taxation. His tenure as chief secretary also covered a period of major administrative and infrastructure activity in the capital. His death marks the loss of a former senior civil servant who held one of the highest administrative positions in the Delhi government.