Noida techie death: Who is IAS officer Krishna Karunesh, named new Noida CEO after Lokesh M's sacking

Senior IAS officer Krishna Karunesh has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, replacing Lokesh M, officials said on Saturday. Lokesh M was removed immediately after the death of the 27-year-old techie in Sector 150.

Karunesh, a 2011-batch IAS officer, assumes charge days after the death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta in Sector 150 on January 16 sparked protests by residents alleging negligence by developers and the authority. Following the incident, Lokesh M was removed as CEO and placed on the waiting list on January 19.

Originally from Bihar, Karunesh was serving as the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur before his appointment. He has previously held key administrative positions, including Chief Development Officer of Ghaziabad, Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority, and District Magistrate of Hapur and Balrampur.


Karunesh, from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, holds a B.A. Honours in Geography, LL.B. in Law, and M.A. in Public Policy. Fluent in English and Hindi, he is credited for his dedication and expertise in administrative service.

How did Noida techie die?

The death of Yuvraj Mehta after his car fell into an unmarked construction pit has raised serious questions about urban planning and road safety in India. Last Friday, around midnight, Mehta was driving home in dense winter fog in Noida when his car hit a low boundary wall and plunged into a deep water-filled pit, reportedly dug years ago before work was stalled.

Unable to swim, Mehta climbed onto the roof of his car and called his father, who rushed to the scene and alerted emergency services. He remained on the car roof for nearly two hours before his cries ceased. Authorities recovered his body almost five hours after the accident.

The tragedy has sparked protests at the site, with residents accusing authorities of negligence and demanding accountability. It has also prompted national debate about road infrastructure, signage, and safety near construction zones in urban areas. Social media users condemned the incident, highlighting similar hazards and urging improvements in city planning and public safety.