Krishna Karunesh appointed as Noida authority CEO

Senior IAS officer Krishna Karunesh has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Noida Authority, replacing Lokesh M, who was removed from the post days after a techie drowned in Noida. Karunesh, a 2011-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, took charge days after a controversy erupted following the death of a 27-year-old software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, in Sector 150 on the night of January 16, which triggered protests by local residents alleging negligence by developers and the authority.

Following the incident and the subsequent protests, Lokesh M, also an IAS officer, was removed as Noida Authority CEO and placed on the waiting list on January 19. Originally from Bihar, Karunesh (a 2011 batch officer of the UP cadre) was serving as the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur prior to his new appointment.  He has earlier held key administrative positions, including Chief Development Officer of Ghaziabad and Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority.

He has also served as the Additional Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) of the Noida Authority, Gautam Buddh Nagar, before his elevation. He took charge as ACEO following a major bureaucratic reshuffle in July 2025 after being transferred from his previous posting as District Magistrate (DM) of Gorakhpur. He has also served as District Magistrate of Hapur and Balrampur, officials said.

He is known for his diligence and strict work ethic. Karunesh gained attention in 2022 when he suspended nine accountants in Gorakhpur for negligence, reflecting his hands-on approach to administration. He holds a Master's degree and an LLB. Karunesh's appointment is seen as an effort to restore confidence in the Noida Authority and ensure stronger oversight. He is considered one of Uttar Pradesh's most dynamic IAS officers and will bring his extensive administrative experience and a reputation for efficiency. His record suggests a focus on accountability, which will be crucial as the authority addresses public concerns about governance and infrastructure safety. The change in leadership is expected to signal a fresh start for the Noida Authority with Karunesh taking charge at a critical moment. He will have to balance administrative responsibility with the need to reassure the public after a tragic incident that shook the city.

The Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a special investigation team to probe the death. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that the SIT submit its report within five days.

The police also registered a first information report (FIR) at the Knowledge Park Police Station under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 106 (causing death by negligence) and 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said the pit, more than 20 feet deep and filled with water, was poorly marked and difficult to see, especially during winter fog.

There were no barricades, fencing, reflectors or warning lights in place, making the stretch hazardous at night.