Controversy deepened after the death of Dr. Hemlata Srivastava regarding property worth Rs 60 crore in Wright Town, Jabalpur. Amidst investigation of gift deed, IMA’s allegations, trust and family’s claims and administration’s investigation, the matter has now reached the SDM court.
Jabalpur. There was a strange silence on the evening of Sunday 15th February in Wright Town, the most posh area of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The mortal remains of 81 year old senior eye specialist Dr. Hemlata Srivastava was kept inside the big bungalow worth crores of rupees. Police and bouncers were deployed outside the house. His last journey took place from Wright Town to Ranital Muktidham under the supervision of the administration. But even before the funeral, a big question arose that who would be the heir to his prime property worth Rs 60 crore?
Dispute over 11,000 square feet land and signature on gift deed
On January 12, Dr. Hemlata celebrated her 81st birthday. In a video, she was seen cutting the cake with Dr. Sumit Jain and his wife Prachi Jain. Two days later, news of his health deteriorating came. By January 15, his condition was said to be very bad. Meanwhile, it came to light that documents related to 11,000 square feet land, whose value is said to be around Rs 60 crore, had been signed. Dr. Sumit Jain claims that Dr. Hemlata had donated the land on her own will so that a memorial hospital could be built in the name of her late father-in-law and son. She says that she was fully conscious at that time and considered him like family.
IMA’s allegation: Registry done under pressure?
But the matter did not stop here. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleged that Dr. Hemlata was forced to sign the registry and gift deed in her weak physical and mental condition. After tension increased, the district administration intervened. On the orders of the Collector, he was admitted to the Medical College. Later, Dr. Hemlata reportedly said that the gift deed was registered by giving wrong information.
Gayatri Mandir Trust and family claims
Meanwhile, Gayatri Mandir Trust claimed that Dr. Hemlata wanted to donate her entire property to the Trust. The name of his younger sister Kanak Lata Mishra came up in this claim. On the other hand, his sister Shanti Mishra, who lives in Chhattisgarh, is also playing an important role in the legal claims. Now many claimants and different statements are coming out on this property.
Collector’s statement: Leasehold property cannot be donated.
Jabalpur District Collector Raghavendra Singh, while talking to the media, clarified that this property of Wright Town comes under the leasehold category of the Municipal Corporation. It cannot be donated legally. He also told that in the statement recorded later, Dr. Hemlata had denied donating the property. The entire matter has been sent to the SDM court and statements of all parties are being recorded. Further decision will be taken as per law.
Questions on hospital, treatment and deteriorating health
There are also reports that when his health deteriorated, people allegedly belonging to a religious group took him in a car, to which the neighbors objected. After this the police had to intervene. His treatment, which hospital he was admitted to, what medicines he was given and why his health deteriorated so rapidly, all these questions are still under discussion.
Personal life tragedy: loneliness and property dispute
Dr. Hemlata’s personal life was also full of tragic incidents. His son Dr. Rachit Srivastava died of a heart attack in 2022. Her husband also died in December 2025. Dr. Hemlata, who was once surrounded by her family, was ultimately left alone without a direct heir. On 9 November 2025, she fully recovered and attended a medical conference. But by January 2026, IMA officials described his condition as that of a living corpse. He died within a few weeks. Now this matter has gone beyond a personal dispute and has become a big legal case.