Mulayam’s stepson Prateek dies at 38; Akhilesh, Yogi pay tributes

PRateek Yadav, the stepson of tardily Samajwadi company paterfamilias Mulayam Singh Yadav, died in Lucknow on wed forenoon, officials said.Prateek, 38, was the stepbrother of former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav.According to Civil Hospital director Dr GP Gupta, information regarding Prateek’s deteriorating health was received around 5am, after which a medical team was rushed to his house in Gomti Nagar. “When the doctors reached there, his condition appeared critical. He was brought to the hospital, and declared dead at 5.55am,” Dr Gupta said.Also read | A divorce call, then happy memories: When Prateek Yadav's marriage hit headlinesHospital officials said since the exact cause of death could not immediately be established, doctors performed a post-mortem examination at King George Medical University, Lucknow, and the body was taken to Aparna’s house for further rites.The post-mortem report attributed Prateek’s death to “Cardiorespiratory collapse due to massive pulmonary thromboembolism”, indicating that a large blood clot had severely obstructed blood flow in the lungs and triggered sudden failure of the heart and respiratory system. The report said the entire heart and viscera has been preserved for chemical analysis.Also read | SP patriarch's son, Leeds-educated, gym owner, animal lover: Who was Prateek YadavAccording to people familiar with his medical history, Yadav had been battling pulmonary embolism, hypertension, anxiety-related ailments and recurring cardiac issues, which led to repeated short-term hospitalisations and continuous medical monitoring. He was last admitted to Medanta hospital on April 29.Prateek was the husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav and largely remained away from active politics despite belonging to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most prominent political families. He was Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav’s stepbrother.Aparna Yadav is vice-chairperson of the State Women Commission.In a statement, Medanta Hospital, said: “Prateek Yadav was a known case of HTN (Hypertension) and DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and used to visit Medanta Lucknow for treatment. He was last seen on April 29, 2026.”Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the death of his stepbrother. In a post on X, Akhilesh said, “Prateek had always wanted to move ahead in life through his own hard work and had remained conscious about his health since childhood.”He said he had met Prateek around two months ago and advised him to take care of his health and focus on expanding his business.Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Aparna’s house and offered condolences to the family. “My condolences are with the bereaved family. I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed soul attains eternal peace and the grieving family is granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!” Adityanath said in a post on X.