Akhilesh Yadav mourns Prateek’s death, says half-brother was ‘very health-conscious’

Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the death of his half-brother Prateek Yadav, recalling that he had always been extremely conscious about his health and fitness.

Prateek Yadav, son of late Mulayam Singh Yadav and husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav, died at the age of 38 at Lucknow’s Civil Hospital early Wednesday morning.

Hospital director Dr GP Gupta said doctors received information around 5 am that Prateek was unwell. A medical team rushed to his residence before he was brought to the hospital in critical condition and declared dead at 5:55 am. The exact cause of death will be determined after an autopsy, officials said.

Akhilesh Yadav later reached the hospital where the postmortem examination was being conducted.

Speaking to reporters, the Samajwadi Party chief said Prateek’s death was a matter of “great sorrow” for the family.

“I have known him since childhood. He is no longer amongst us; it is a matter of great sorrow. Right from his childhood, he was very conscious of his health, his physical well-being and he aspired to move forward in life and make a meaningful contribution,” Akhilesh said.

He added that the family would proceed according to legal procedures and the wishes of relatives.

Akhilesh also revealed he had met Prateek around two months ago and had advised him to focus on his health and business ventures.

“Sometimes, financial losses in business can break a person emotionally. He is no longer among us. We will do whatever the family decides,” he said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also condoled Prateek Yadav’s death, describing it as “extremely heartbreaking” and praying for strength for the grieving family.