Multiple Claimants, Allegations of Coercion, and Legal Proceedings Intensify
Jabalpur: The death of 81-year-old senior ophthalmologist Dr Hemlata Srivastava at her Wright Town residence has triggered a major legal and family dispute over her 11,000-square-foot prime land parcel, reportedly valued at nearly ₹60 crore. What began as a private matter has now escalated into formal legal proceedings.
On January 12, Dr Hemlata celebrated her 81st birthday, appearing cheerful in a video where she was seen cutting a cake with Dr Sumit Jain and his wife, Prachi Jain. However, within two days, her health reportedly deteriorated sharply, and by January 15 she was critically ill. During this period, crucial documents related to her Wright Town property were signed.
Speaking to NDTV, Dr Sumit Jain claimed that Dr Hemlata voluntarily donated the land for the construction of a memorial hospital in the name of her late father-in-law and son. He maintained that she was fully conscious at the time and shared a close, family-like bond with them.
However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has alleged coercion, stating that the elderly doctor was pressured into signing registry and gift deeds despite her fragile physical and mental condition. Following rising tensions, district authorities intervened and admitted her to the Medical College on the Collector’s orders. Dr Hemlata later reportedly stated that the gift deed had been registered using false information.
Adding another dimension to the case, the Gayatri Mandir Trust has claimed that Dr Hemlata had earlier expressed her desire to donate the property to the trust, a claim supported by her younger sister. Meanwhile, her Chhattisgarh-based sister has taken custody of the body and asserted her own legal claim over the property.
Jabalpur District Collector Raghavendra Singh clarified that the Wright Town property falls under the Municipal Corporation’s leasehold category and legally cannot be donated. He further stated that in a later recorded statement, Dr Hemlata denied having donated the property. The matter has now been referred to the SDM court, where statements of all concerned parties are being recorded.
Reports also suggest that during her critical illness, she was allegedly taken away in a car by individuals linked to a religious group, prompting objections from neighbours and police intervention. Questions continue to be raised regarding her hospitalisation, treatment, and the sudden decline in her health.
Dr Hemlata had endured significant personal losses before her death. Her son, Dr Rachit Srivastava, passed away due to a heart attack in 2022, and her husband died in December 2025, leaving her without direct heirs. With multiple claimants and conflicting accounts, the high-value property dispute is now set to be decided through due legal process.
