Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav, passed away in Lucknow on Wednesday morning at the age of 38, triggering shock and grief across political circles in Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow Civil Hospital's Chief Medical Superintendent, Dr Devesh Chandra Pandey, said a medical officer was immediately sent to Prateek Yadav's residence after his driver approached the hospital early in the morning seeking urgent medical assistance.
Speaking to IANS, Dr Pandey confirmed that Prateek Yadav was brought dead to the hospital and that a post-mortem examination is being conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
"A medical officer was sent to Yadav's residence after his driver or somebody from his household arrived at the hospital around 5.30 a.m. seeking urgent medical help," Dr Pandey said.
"The medical officer immediately shifted Yadav to the hospital. At 5.55 a.m., he was brought here. By that time, he had already passed away. He was declared brought dead, and the police were informed," he added.
According to the hospital administration, police completed the 'panchnama' procedure before sending the body for post-mortem examination. A four-member team of doctors has reportedly been constituted to conduct the autopsy.
Dr Pandey clarified that Prateek Yadav did not receive treatment at the hospital as he had already died before arrival.
Friend dismisses rumours surrounding death
As speculation and rumours surrounding Prateek Yadav's sudden demise began circulating online, one of his close friends appealed to people not to spread misinformation, insisting that his death was caused by a sudden deterioration in health.
"Do not pay attention to rumours suggesting something happened at home. His health suddenly deteriorated, and it was a sudden death," the friend told IANS.
"He used to go to the gym regularly earlier, though not recently. He was also under business pressure. He did not have any serious illness," the friend added.
Prateek Yadav's gym partner, Sarvesh Pandey, described him as a kind-hearted individual and called the incident deeply tragic.
"He had a very good nature. This is a very tragic incident, and may God grant peace to his soul," Sarvesh Pandey said.
He further claimed that Prateek had reportedly visited Civil Hospital late Tuesday night between 11 p.m. and midnight before returning home.
"Treatment was ongoing, but his condition worsened significantly during the night. When I came in the morning, I learnt about his death. I have also come to know that he had fallen in the bedroom and suffered a head injury," he said.
Reports suggest lung-related complications
While the official cause of death is yet to be confirmed, reports suggest that Prateek Yadav had been battling lung-related health complications and was undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs.
A relative of Aparna Yadav stated that the family learnt about the incident through social media and described the death as extremely painful.
"The postmortem has been conducted. This is a very sad incident," the relative said.
Meanwhile, Aparna Yadav was seen arriving in Lucknow following her husband's demise. Videos circulating online showed the visibly devastated BJP leader at the airport.
Akhilesh Yadav remembers step-brother
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the loss of his step-brother and remembered him as a hardworking and disciplined person.
"I have seen him since childhood. It is unfortunate that he is no longer with us today. Since childhood, he was conscious of his health and fitness. He wanted to achieve something and move forward in life," Akhilesh Yadav told reporters.
"He was a very good boy who wanted to do something through his hard work. It is a matter of great sorrow that he is no longer with us today," he added.
Fitness entrepreneur who stayed away from politics
Despite belonging to one of India's most influential political families, Prateek Yadav largely stayed away from active politics and maintained a low public profile.
An MBA graduate from the University of Leeds, he focused on fitness and real estate ventures. He owned a gym in Lucknow called 'The Fitness Planet' and was also involved in social work through an NGO supporting homeless individuals.
Known for his dedication to fitness, Prateek frequently shared workout routines and health-related posts on social media. In 2012, he gained international attention after being featured as the 'International Transformation of the Month' on a reputed bodybuilding platform.
He had credited his fitness transformation to motivational advice given by his father, Mulayam Singh Yadav.
Prateek married Aparna Yadav in 2011 after being in a relationship for nearly eight years. Their wedding was attended by several prominent political leaders, industrialists, and celebrities. The couple later welcomed a daughter.
Earlier this year, Prateek had also shared emotional and personal posts on Instagram that hinted at grievances in his personal life, though no official statement regarding the matter was ever issued publicly.
