NEW DELHI: Senior journalist Payal Mehta, who worked with CNN-News18, died in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46.Mehta was visiting Mumbai when she developed uneasiness around 2 am. She was taken to a hospital, but died before treatment could begin.Senior journalist Sheela Bhatt shared the details in a post on X.“On a visit to Mumbai, she developed uneasiness. Around 2 am she was taken to the hospital. Before any treatment could be administered, her pulse went silent”.Mehta was known for her work covering Parliament, the government and the BJP. Colleagues and senior political leaders remembered her as a dedicated journalist who closely followed national affairs.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and several Union ministers expressed condolences following her death.“Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting,” Modi said in a post on X.He added that Mehta would also be remembered for her kindness and the warmth she showed towards others.“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,” he said.Shah described Mehta as a thorough professional who was committed to providing detailed information on a range of issues.“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,” he said in a post on X.Singh said he was deeply shocked by her death and recalled her commitment to the Parliament beat.“She has left us far too soon. Payal was an extremely hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the Parliament beat with great commitment and professionalism,” he said.
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He recalled that Mehta would often remain in Parliament from early morning until late at night during sessions, closely following proceedings.“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.Railways and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also expressed grief over the death of his “journalist and dear friend Payal Mehta”.“Her dedication to reporting was exemplary. Om Shanti,” he said.Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said he was deeply shocked by the news.“Had just attended her father’s prayer service a few days ago. 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.
