Journalist Payal Mehta dies in Mumbai; PM Modi, ministers pay tribute

Senior journalist Payal Mehta, who reported for CNN-News18, died in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026. She was 46.

Mehta was visiting Mumbai when she developed uneasiness early in the morning. She was taken to a hospital, where she died. Fellow journalist Sheela Bhatt said in a post on X that Mehta was rushed to hospital around 2 a.m. and that her pulse stopped before any treatment could be given.

Mehta was known as a hard-working reporter who covered Parliament, the government and the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death, describing her as a hardworking journalist who stayed firmly connected to the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting. He said that beyond her professional work, she would be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched many lives, and offered his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Home Minister Amit Shah called her a thorough professional committed to delivering detailed information on various issues, and said the loss of such a talented and dedicated journalist was irreplaceable for the field of journalism. He extended his deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock at the news, saying she had been taken far too soon. He recalled that during Parliament sessions Mehta would be present from early morning until late at night, following proceedings and carrying out her duties with remarkable dedication.

Railways and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mourned the passing of "journalist and dear friend Payal Mehta", calling her dedication to reporting exemplary.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was deeply shocked by the news, noting that he had attended her father's prayer service only days earlier. He recalled that Mehta was as regular as he was in Parliament during sessions and described her as a true professional.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he had known her for a long time and remembered her as full of life, bringing an infectious energy to everything she did. He said that for all her dedication to work, what stood out most was how deeply she valued her relationships, and conveyed his condolences to her family.