Senior IAS Officer Krishna Karunesh Appointed New CEO of Noida Authority Amid Techie Death Controversy

New Delhi: Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Krishna Karunesh has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, officials confirmed, taking charge during a period of heightened public scrutiny over urban governance and safety.

Karunesh, a 2011‑batch IAS officer, assumed the role after the previous CEO, Lokesh M, was removed from his post earlier this month following widespread outrage over the death of a 27‑year‑old software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, in Noida’s Sector 150. The tragic incident occurred on the night of January 16–17 when Mehta’s vehicle plunged into a water‑filled trench at an unmarked construction site, triggering protests and raising serious questions about civic accountability and infrastructure management.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances leading to Mehta’s death, seeking a detailed report within five days.

Karunesh, who was serving as the Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) of the Noida Authority, has been entrusted with the additional charge of CEO until a permanent appointment is made. Prior to this role, he held several significant administrative positions in the Uttar Pradesh cadre, including District Magistrate of Gorakhpur, Hapur, and Balrampur, and Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), showcasing extensive experience in urban administration and governance.

Officials said the leadership change aims to restore confidence and strengthen implementation of civic oversight in Noida, as authorities address infrastructure gaps highlighted by the recent tragedy. Karunesh’s background in district administration and urban development places him at the helm at a critical time for the city’s planned growth and safety reforms.