Guwahati: Journalist Payal Mehta, 46, an Assistant Editor with CNN-News18, died in Mumbai early Sunday following a sudden health emergency.
According to her colleagues, Mehta began feeling unwell late Saturday night and was taken to a hospital at around 2 am. However, doctors were unable to detect a pulse before treatment could be initiated.
Following her death, condolences poured in from political leaders, colleagues and members of the media fraternity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Mehta’s demise, remembering her as a dedicated journalist who maintained a strong connection with events on the ground and brought a detailed understanding of national affairs to her reporting.
In a post on X, Modi also recalled Mehta’s warmth and kindness towards people around her and extended his condolences to her family, friends and professional colleagues.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed shock over the journalist’s sudden death. He highlighted her extensive coverage of Parliament and described her as a committed and professional journalist.
Singh recalled that Mehta regularly worked long hours during parliamentary sessions, often arriving early and staying until late at night to follow proceedings and fulfil her reporting responsibilities.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to Mehta, describing her as a diligent journalist with a strong understanding of public affairs who closely covered parliamentary developments.
Members of the media community and Mehta’s colleagues also expressed their condolences following her sudden demise.