| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr. Beela Venkatesan Rajesh |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu |
| Age | 56 (at the time of passing) |
| Date of Passing | 24 September 2025 |
| Cause of Passing | Brain cancer |
| Profession | IAS Officer (1997 batch) |
| Last Posting | Secretary of Commercial Taxes & Registration, Tamil Nadu |
| Husband | Rajesh Das, IPS officer |
| Children | Two daughters (names not publicly disclosed) |
| Parents | L. N. Venkatesan (Retd. DGP), Rani Venkatesan (Ex-MLA & Congress leader) |
| Education | MBBS, Madras Medical College |
Who was Dr. Beela Rajesh IAS?
Dr. Beela Rajesh, born Beela Venkatesan on 15 November 1969, was a respected Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1997 batch. She came into the limelight during the COVID-19 pandemic when she played a pivotal role as Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu, becoming the face of the government’s communication strategy at daily press briefings. Her calm demeanor, medical background, and administrative clarity made her a trusted figure for millions during that uncertain time.
Until her final days, she was serving as the Secretary of Commercial Taxes and Registration Department in Tamil Nadu, continuing her commitment to public service.
Early Life and Education
Beela Rajesh hailed from an influential and service-oriented family in Tamil Nadu. She was born in Thoothukudi District and later settled in Chennai. Her father, L. N. Venkatesan, served as a Director General of Police before retirement, while her mother, Rani Venkatesan, was a senior Congress leader and a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
With a strong academic foundation, she pursued medicine and earned an MBBS degree from Madras Medical College, which later proved invaluable when she transitioned into the civil services. In 1997, she cleared the IAS examination and began a remarkable administrative journey.
Career and Achievements
Dr. Beela Rajesh had a diverse administrative career, but she rose to national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu, she became a household name across the state, known for her daily press conferences that guided the public through government measures, safety guidelines, and updates.
Her unique combination of medical training and administrative expertise allowed her to communicate complex health information with clarity and authority. Many residents credited her calm leadership with helping them navigate the early uncertainties of the pandemic.
Beyond her role in health, she also served in key capacities across the Tamil Nadu government, including postings in rural development, commercial taxes, and registration. Her reputation was built on diligence, integrity, and a people-first approach.
Personal Life
Dr. Beela Rajesh was married to Rajesh Das, an IPS officer. Together, they raised two daughters, whose names have been kept private to protect their identities. Despite the challenges of a demanding public career, she was known to be deeply dedicated to her family.
Her personal life occasionally came under media attention, especially after controversies surrounding her husband, but she maintained a dignified public presence, focusing on her own service and contributions.
Cause of Passing
On 24 September 2025, Dr. Beela Rajesh passed away in Chennai at the age of 56. She had been battling brain cancer, a struggle that was largely kept private until her untimely passing. Her death marked the loss of not only a senior IAS officer but also a woman remembered for her compassion, medical insight, and public-spirited leadership during one of the most challenging health crises in recent history.
Legacy
Dr. Beela Rajesh leaves behind a legacy of service, resilience, and empathy. She will be remembered as one of the most visible faces of Tamil Nadu’s fight against COVID-19, a role she fulfilled with poise and professionalism. Her story also reflects the values instilled by her family — a deep commitment to public service and governance.
Her passing is mourned not only by colleagues in the IAS and the Tamil Nadu government but also by the countless citizens who came to trust her words and leadership during the pandemic.
FAQs
Q: Who was Dr. Beela Rajesh IAS?
A: She was a senior IAS officer from the 1997 batch, known for her role as Health Secretary during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu.
Q: When and where was she born?
A: She was born on 15 November 1969 in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu.
Q: What was her age at the time of passing?
A: She was 56 years old when she passed away on 24 September 2025.
Q: What was the cause of her passing?
A: She passed away due to brain cancer.
Q: Who was her husband?
A: She was married to Rajesh Das, an IPS officer.
Q: Did she have children?
A: Yes, she had two daughters, though their names have not been publicly shared.
Conclusion
Dr. Beela Rajesh IAS will always be remembered as a committed civil servant, a skilled communicator during Tamil Nadu’s battle against COVID-19, and a compassionate leader who combined her background in medicine with her passion for governance. Her untimely passing at 56 is a loss not only to her family and colleagues but also to the people of Tamil Nadu, who will long remember her service and dedication.
