Senior journalist Payal Mehta passes away; PM Modi, Union Ministers offer condolences
Senior journalist Payal Mehta passed away suddenly in Mumbai at the age of 46. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed their condolences, highlighting her dedication and professionalism in covering national politics.
Why it matters
The death of a prominent political journalist is a notable event in the Indian media landscape.
Payal Mehta, a senior journalist with CNN-News18 , passed away in the early hours of Sunday (September 20, 2026) in Mumbai.
Mehta (46) was on a visit to Mumbai when she developed uneasiness early in the morning. She was rushed to a hospital, where she later passed away.
In a post on X , senior journalist Sheela Bhatt said, "On a visit to Mumbai, she developed uneasiness. Around 2 a.m. she was taken to the hospital. Before any treatment could be administered, her pulse went silent.”
Ms. Mehta was known as a hard-working journalist who covered the Parliament, the government and the BJP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and other Union ministers condoled Ms. Mehta's death.
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