Senior journalist Payal Mehta passed away in Mumbai early Sunday morning at the age of 46. She previously worked for CNN-News18.
Mehta felt unwell around 2 AM during her visit to Mumbai. She was taken to the hospital, but she passed away before treatment could begin.
Senior journalist Sheila Bhatt shared details in an X post, stating: 'She felt unwell during her visit to Mumbai. Around 2 AM, she was taken to the hospital. Before any treatment could be administered, her pulse stopped.'
Payal Mehta was known for her work covering Parliament, the government, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Colleagues and high-ranking political figures remembered her as a dedicated journalist who closely monitored national events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, and several other Union ministers expressed their condolences following her death.
Modi wrote in an X post: 'Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained closely connected to the ground reality, bringing deep understanding of national issues into her reporting.' He also added that Mehta will be remembered for her kindness and warmth towards others. He concluded: 'Her sudden and premature death is deeply saddening. My condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. May they find strength in this difficult hour. Om Shanti.'
Shah characterized Mehta as a highly professional specialist who was committed to providing detailed information on a wide range of issues. He stated in an X post: '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.'
Rajnath Singh expressed deep shock at her passing and recalled her commitment to covering parliamentary activities. He noted: 'She left too soon. Payal was an extremely hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the activities of Parliament with great dedication and professionalism.' Singh also mentioned that Mehta often stayed in Parliament from early morning until late at night during sessions, meticulously tracking the proceedings. He concluded: 'My sincere condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. May they find the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Om Shanti.'
Minister of Railways and Information and Broadcasting Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw also expressed sorrow over the death of his 'journalist and dear friend Payal Mehta,' noting: 'Her dedication to reporting was exemplary. Om Shanti.'
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his deep shock at the news. He added: 'A few days ago, I attended her father's prayer service. Payal was as regular as I was in Parliament during sessions. She was a true professional journalist. Sincere prayers for her departed soul. Om Shanti.'
