Lucknow, May 13
Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and stepbrother of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, died in Lucknow on Wednesday after reportedly falling ill suddenly in the early hours of the day. He was 38.
According to sources, Prateek was rushed to the Civil Hospital after his condition deteriorated, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Authorities said a postmortem examination would be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Despite belonging to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most prominent political families, Prateek Yadav remained away from active politics. He was known for his interest in fitness and support for animal welfare initiatives. His wife, Aparna Bisht Yadav, is associated with the BJP and currently serves as the vice-chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission.
The Samajwadi Party expressed grief over his demise in a post on X and described the loss as heartbreaking while offering tribute to the departed soul.
Prateek was born to Mulayam Singh Yadav and his second wife, Sadhna Gupta.
Speaking briefly to PTI, Prateek’s brother-in-law, Aman Bisht, said, “I am at the hospital right now. This is not the time.”
People present at the Civil Hospital said Prateek was brought to the facility around 5.10 am and was officially declared dead around 6 am. The hospital is located close to his residence on Vikramaditya Marg in Lucknow.
Civil Hospital Director Dr. GC Gupta confirmed that Prateek had been brought dead to the hospital.
“We carried out all required procedures and informed senior officials and the police after confirmation,” Dr. Gupta told PTI.
Reacting to speculation surrounding the case, Dr. Gupta said the exact cause of death could only be confirmed after the postmortem examination. He said it would not be appropriate to comment on any suspicion before medical findings are available.
The doctor also stated that a driver from Prateek’s residence arrived at the hospital early in the morning, seeking medical assistance. An Emergency Medical Officer then accompanied him to the residence and brought Prateek to the hospital.
When asked about reports claiming Prateek was found unconscious inside the kitchen, Dr. Gupta said different versions of events were circulating and declined to confirm those details.
Sources close to the family said Aparna Yadav was not in Uttar Pradesh at the time of the incident and was traveling back to Lucknow after receiving the news. Supporters and well-wishers began gathering outside the family residence soon after reports of his death emerged.
Earlier this year, Prateek Yadav had publicly spoken about differences with his wife through social media posts and had indicated plans to seek divorce. In an Instagram post made in January, he accused Aparna Yadav of damaging family relations and being influenced by fame and power.
However, days later, Prateek announced that the matter had been resolved mutually. In a video shared on Instagram on January 28, he said there was no longer any dispute between the two after discussions and reconciliation.
