Senior Journalist Payal Mehta Passes Away At 46; PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Other Political Leaders Pay Tributes

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The Indian journalism fraternity is mourning the sudden death of senior journalist Payal Mehta, who passed away in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday, September 20, 2026. She was 46. Known for her work on the Parliament and political beats, Mehta was an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18 and had more than 15 years of experience in journalism.

Photo Credit: Instagram@northeastscoop

According to reports, Mehta was visiting Mumbai when she suddenly developed uneasiness in the early hours of Sunday. She was taken to a hospital at around 2 a.m., but reportedly passed away before medical treatment could be administered. The exact cause of her death has not been officially disclosed.

Payal Mehta's Journalism Career

Mehta began her journalism career in 2008 with Mumbai-based Focus TV. She subsequently worked with NewsX, Republic TV and ANI before building a long association with CNN-News18.

She first worked with CNN-News18 from 2018 to 2022. After working with ANI, she returned to the network in June 2023 as an Assistant Editor.

Much of Mehta's career was dedicated to Parliament and political reporting. She covered the functioning of Parliament, the Union government and the BJP, and was known for her detailed understanding of national political affairs.

Political Leaders Pay Tribute

Her death prompted condolences from political leaders across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Modi remembered Mehta as a hardworking journalist who remained connected to the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.

Rajnath Singh also recalled her dedication to the Parliament beat and expressed shock at her sudden passing.

Payal Mehta's Cremation In Mumbai

According to a memorial notice issued by Mehta's family, her cremation was scheduled to take place at Chandanwadi Crematorium in Mumbai at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 20. The crematorium is located on Maharshi Karve Road in Chandan Wadi, Kalbadevi. The family shared the details for friends, colleagues and others wishing to pay their last respects.

A Sudden Loss For The Journalism Fraternity

Mehta's sudden death at 46 has left colleagues and members of the media fraternity remembering her years of political and parliamentary reporting. As tributes continue to come in, she is being remembered for her dedication to journalism and her work covering some of the country's most important political developments.

Born on 22 September 1979, Mehta died just two days before her 47th birthday, adding another poignant detail to the loss being mourned by her family, friends and colleagues.