Jabalpur Ophthalmologist's death sparks Rs 60 crore property dispute
Dr Hemlata Srivastava death
Jabalpur: The death of 81-year-old senior ophthalmologist Dr Hemlata Srivastava at her residence in Wright Town has triggered a legal and family storm over her substantial property holdings, particularly an 11,000-square-foot prime land parcel reportedly valued at nearly Rs 60 crore.
According to the news reports, on January 12, Dr. Hemlata celebrated her 81st birthday. A video capturing her smiling and cutting cake with Dr Sumit Jain and his wife, Prachi Jain, quickly went viral. Just two days later, her health deteriorated sharply, and by January 15, she was critically ill. Amid this period, crucial documents concerning her 11,000 square feet Wright Town property were signed.
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However, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has alleged coercion, claiming the senior doctor was pressured into signing registry and gift deeds despite her fragile physical and mental state. District authorities reportedly intervened after tensions escalated, admitting Dr. Hemlata to the Medical College on the orders of the Collector. Dr. Hemlata later reportedly stated that the deed of gift had been registered using false information.
Adding further complexity, the Gayatri Mandir Trust claims that Dr. Hemlata had expressed her wish to donate the property to the trust, supported by her younger sister. Meanwhile, her Chhattisgarh-based sister has taken custody of the body and is asserting her own legal claim. With multiple claimants and conflicting accounts, the dispute has become increasingly complicated.
Speaking to NDTV, 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 donating the property. "The entire matter has been referred to the SDM court. Statements of all concerned parties are being recorded. Decisions will be taken strictly as per legal provisions," the collector said. With this, what appeared to be a private dispute has now firmly entered formal legal proceedings.
Reports suggest that Dr. Hemlata was allegedly taken away in a car by individuals linked to a religious group during her critical illness, prompting objections from neighbours and police intervention. Questions remain regarding her hospitalisation, treatment, and the sudden decline in her health.
Dr. Hemlata had experienced significant personal loss prior to her death. Her son, Dr. Rachit Srivastava, passed away from a heart attack in 2022, and her husband died in December 2025, leaving her without direct heirs.
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