Senior journalist Payal Mehta of CNN-News18 dies suddenly in Mumbai at 46

Senior journalist Payal Mehta passes away; PM Modi, Union Ministers offer condolences

Payal Mehta, a senior journalist with CNN-News18, died at a hospital in Mumbai after developing uneasiness during a visit to the city. She was 46.

According to senior journalist Sheela Bhatt, Mehta developed uneasiness early in the morning while on a visit to Mumbai. She was taken to the hospital around 2 a.m., but her pulse went silent before any treatment could be administered. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

Political leaders pay tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Mehta as a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting. In a post on X, he emphasised that beyond her work, Mehta would be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched many lives.

"Her sudden and untimely passing is extremely saddening. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May they find strength in this difficult hour. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister said.

Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Mehta as a thorough professional committed to delivering detailed information about various issues. He remarked that the untimely passing of such a talented and dedicated journalist is an irreplaceable loss to the field of journalism.

"I extend my deepest condolences to her grieving family and friends and pray to God to give them the strength to bear this profound pain. Om Shanti," Shah said in a post on X.

Dedication to Parliament coverage

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his deep shock and sadness at the news of Mehta's passing, saying she has left us far too soon. He described her as an extremely hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the Parliament beat with great commitment and professionalism.

Singh noted that during Parliament sessions, Mehta would be present from early morning until late at night, tirelessly following the proceedings and fulfilling her duties with remarkable dedication. "My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends in this difficult hour. May they find the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Om Shanti," he said.

Minister for Railways and Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his sorrow over the untimely passing of "journalist and dear friend Payal Mehta". "Her dedication to reporting was exemplary. Om Shanti," he stated.

Personal connections and professional legacy

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was deeply shocked by the news of Mehta's passing. He revealed that he had just attended her father's prayer service a few days ago.

"Ms. Payal used to be as regular as me in Parliament during sessions. She was a true professional journalist. Heartfelt prayers for her departed soul. Om Shanti," Rijiju said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his sadness upon hearing of Mehta's passing, saying he had known her for a long time. He described her as full of life and someone who brought an infectious energy to everything she did.

"Yet for all her dedication to her work, what stood out most was how deeply she valued her relationships," Sarma said. Conveying his deepest condolences to Mehta's family, he said, "I pray they find the strength to navigate this difficult phase. Prayers for her sadgati. Om Shanti".

Mehta was known as a hard-working journalist who covered the Parliament, the government and the BJP. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through India's journalistic community and political circles, with leaders across the spectrum acknowledging her professionalism, dedication, and the personal warmth she brought to her work.

Source: The Hindu