Lucknow: Lucknow was plunged into mourning on Wednesday after Prateek Yadav, the younger son of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, died at the age of 38. He was brought to a civil hospital in the state capital early in the morning, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Hospital sources said Prateek was taken to the medical facility by family members at around 6:15 am. Authorities have sent the body for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Initial medical observations did not indicate any visible external injuries.
Prateek, who was married to BJP leader Aparna Yadav, was also the stepbrother of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Reports said Aparna was not present at the hospital when he was admitted.
Known more for his business ventures than politics, Prateek had built a career in real estate and fitness. An MBA graduate from the University of Leeds, he had established one of Lucknow’s earliest premium fitness centres and was widely recognised for his dedication to bodybuilding and physical wellness.
He had once gained international attention after being featured on a global bodybuilding platform for his remarkable fitness transformation, which he had attributed to encouragement from his father years earlier.
Despite belonging to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most influential political families, Prateek stayed away from electoral politics and maintained a relatively private public life. He was also associated with animal welfare causes and frequently supported initiatives related to animal care and protection.
Prateek’s personal life had occasionally drawn public attention, including reports of strain in his marriage earlier this year. However, no formal separation proceedings had been completed.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders and well-wishers across party lines, with many remembering him as a reserved and grounded individual who chose a path outside active politics despite his family’s towering political legacy.
