Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi Hospitalised After Major Cardiac Arrest; Undergoes Open-Heart Bypass Surgery, Condition Stable
Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, suffered a severe cardiac episode late Thursday night and was immediately shifted to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, where doctors confirmed a major heart attack and conducted an emergency open-heart bypass surgery on Friday. Hospital officials have stated that the senior bureaucrat is currently stable and showing signs of recovery under close medical supervision.
Sudden Health Crisis and Emergency Admission
According to medical sources, Rastogi experienced intense chest discomfort late on Thursday night. Recognising the seriousness of the condition, his family and officials promptly rushed him to a private hospital in Mohali. Upon evaluation, cardiologists diagnosed him with a critical cardiac arrest that required immediate surgical intervention.
The complex bypass procedure was carried out on Friday under the supervision of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. P. S. Mahant. Hospital authorities described the operation as successful and free of complications.
Fortis Hospital Issues Official Medical Bulletin
In an official health update, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, stated:
“Mr. Anurag Rastogi, IAS, Chief Secretary, Haryana, was admitted to Fortis Hospital, Mohali, on January 9, 2026, for bypass surgery. Following an uneventful procedure, his condition is stable, and he is presently recuperating in the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) Intensive Care Unit.”
Hospital sources further informed that Rastogi remains under ICU care and is likely to be shifted to a private recovery room within the next one to two days, subject to continued improvement in vital parameters.
Doctors Prescribe Extended Rest Period
Medical teams have advised Rastogi to observe complete bed rest for a minimum period of two months as part of his structured post-operative rehabilitation. His cardiac functions will be continuously monitored to ensure smooth recovery and prevent any complications.
Veteran Bureaucrat With Long and Influential Career
Anurag Rastogi is one of the most senior-most IAS officers in the Haryana cadre and has held several strategically important assignments during his long career in public administration. Prior to assuming charge as Chief Secretary, he served in key positions such as:
Financial Commissioner (Revenue)
Additional Chief Secretary (Finance and Planning)
These assignments placed him at the centre of Haryana’s financial governance, revenue administration, and developmental policy formulation for several years.
First Officer to Serve Twice as Haryana Chief Secretary
Rastogi also holds the unique distinction of being the first IAS officer in Haryana to be appointed Chief Secretary for a second term. A native of Moradabad district in Uttar Pradesh, he was originally scheduled to superannuate on June 30, 2025, upon attaining the age of 60 years.
However, acknowledging his administrative experience and the need for continuity in governance, the Haryana government granted him a one-year extension, thereby extending his tenure till June 30, 2026.
Recent SIT Interaction in IPS Officer Suicide Probe
Just days before his medical emergency, Rastogi had reportedly been questioned by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the suicide case of senior Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar. The SIT is said to have interacted with him at the Haryana Secretariat for nearly an hour as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials have, however, clarified that no direct connection has been established between the SIT interaction and Rastogi’s health condition.
Government Closely Monitoring the Situation
Senior functionaries in the Haryana government are closely tracking Rastogi’s medical status. While no formal announcement has yet been made regarding temporary administrative arrangements during his recuperation, sources indicated that suitable measures will be put in place to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the state administration.
