Prateek Yadav death: SP MLA demands probe, post-mortem report
Synopsis
SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra has publicly questioned the circumstances of Prateek Yadav's death in Lucknow, citing alleged bruises on his body and the fact that he died before reaching a doctor. With a post-mortem underway and no official cause confirmed, the death of Mulayam Singh Yadav's younger son — husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav — has taken on a sharp political edge.
Key Takeaways
Prateek Yadav , younger son of late Mulayam Singh Yadav and stepbrother of Akhilesh Yadav , died in Lucknow at the age of 38 on Wednesday morning.
SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra has demanded a probe, citing alleged bruises on the body and suspicious circumstances.
Authorities confirm a post-mortem examination is underway; the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Reports indicate Prateek had been receiving treatment for a blood clot in his lungs .
Prateek was the husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav and an MBA graduate from the University of Leeds who ran a gym and an NGO.
Samajwadi Party MLA Ravidas Mehrotra on Wednesday raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the death of Prateek Yadav, younger son of late party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, demanding a detailed investigation and the early release of the post-mortem report — even as initial reports pointed to a natural death. Prateek, aged 38, passed away in Lucknow on the morning of Wednesday, 14 May 2025, before reaching a hospital.
What the SP MLA Said
Speaking to reporters, Mehrotra said the death occurred under suspicious circumstances, noting that Prateek was young, physically active, and a gym owner. "The death occurred under suspicious circumstances, and he was very young. He owned gyms and used to exercise in them. He passed away before reaching the hospital, before seeing a doctor, and the doctors say his death happened under suspicious circumstances. The people present there said bruises were found on his body. We want the post-mortem report to be released and a probe into the matter," Mehrotra said.
His remarks have added a political dimension to the sudden demise of Prateek, who was the stepbrother of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and husband of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Aparna Yadav.
Official Position on Cause of Death
Authorities have stated that the exact cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed, with a post-mortem examination currently underway. According to reports, Prateek had been suffering from lung-related health complications for some time and was reportedly undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs. No official determination has been issued as of the time of reporting.
Political Condolences Pour In
Member of Parliament Jitendra Kumar Dohare expressed grief, saying: "Today is a very sad day, not just for Etawah but for the entire state, because he was the younger brother of Akhilesh Yadav, the son of late leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, and a young man. It is a very painful moment for all of us. We pray for peace to his soul…"
The death cuts across political lines given that Prateek's wife, Aparna Yadav, is a prominent BJP leader, while his family remains the founding dynasty of the Samajwadi Party.
Who Was Prateek Yadav
An MBA graduate from the University of Leeds, Prateek largely stayed away from active politics despite belonging to one of India's most influential political families. He focused instead on business ventures in the fitness and real estate sectors, owning a gym in Lucknow called "The Fitness Planet". He was also associated with social work through an NGO serving homeless people.
Known for his commitment to fitness, Prateek received international recognition in 2012 after being featured as the "International Transformation of the Month" on a prominent bodybuilding platform, crediting his late father's encouragement as a key inspiration. He married Aparna Yadav in 2011 after an eight-year relationship, in a ceremony attended by prominent personalities from politics, business, and entertainment. The couple had a daughter.
What Happens Next
The post-mortem report is expected to be the decisive document in resolving questions around the cause of death. If the findings are inconclusive or indicate anything beyond natural causes, demands for a formal police investigation — already flagged by Mehrotra — are likely to intensify. The political sensitivity of the case, given the family's stature and cross-party connections, means the report will be closely scrutinised.
Point of View
Making his death a point of convergence for rival camps. The mention of bruises is unverified and attributed to unnamed bystanders; until the post-mortem speaks, the 'suspicious circumstances' framing risks getting ahead of the evidence. What is notable is that the demand is coming from within the SP itself — suggesting internal unease, not just opposition point-scoring.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Prateek Yadav die?
Prateek Yadav, aged 38, died in Lucknow on Wednesday morning before reaching a hospital. The official cause of death has not been confirmed; a post-mortem examination is currently underway. Reports indicate he had been undergoing treatment for a blood clot in his lungs.
Why is SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra demanding a probe?
Mehrotra cited suspicious circumstances, including that Prateek died before seeing a doctor and that bystanders reportedly observed bruises on his body. He has called for the post-mortem report to be released and a formal investigation to be conducted.
Who was Prateek Yadav?
Prateek Yadav was the younger son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and stepbrother of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. He was the husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav and an MBA graduate from the University of Leeds who ran a gym called The Fitness Planet in Lucknow and was involved in NGO work.
What is the political significance of Prateek Yadav's death?
Prateek's death sits at the intersection of India's most prominent socialist political dynasty and the ruling BJP, as his wife Aparna Yadav is a BJP leader. The SP MLA's demand for a probe adds a political dimension that could escalate depending on the post-mortem findings.
When will the post-mortem report be released?
No official timeline has been given for the release of the post-mortem report. SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra has specifically demanded its early release alongside a formal investigation into the circumstances of the death.
