Jabalpur doctor's death leaves Rs 60 cr land in limbo; claimants emerge even before cremation

• Dr Hemlata's Rs 60 cr land sparks major inheritance dispute
• Multiple parties claim her prime Jabalpur property
• Collector says property is leasehold, legal process underway

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An 81-year-old senior ophthalmologist, Dr Hemlata Srivastava, was found dead at her residence in Wright Town, one of the most upscale and expensive localities of Jabalpur, on Sunday evening.

Her funeral procession was carried out under administrative supervision from her Wright Town residence to Ranital Muktidham. However, even before the cremation, controversy erupted over who would inherit her vast property, particularly a prime land parcel that has now become the centre of a high-profile legal dispute.

Property transfer claims

At the heart of the controversy is an 11,000-square-foot plot in Wright Town, allegedly valued at nearly Rs 60 crore. Just days before her health deteriorated, documents related to this property were allegedly signed.

Dr Sumit Jain, a fellow doctor, has claimed that Dr Hemlata willingly donated the land to build a memorial hospital in the name of her late father-in-law and son. He has maintained that she was mentally alert and signed the papers of her own free will. "She was fully conscious. She was like a mother to us," he was quoted by NDTV as saying.

A video from January 12, her 81st birthday, shows her cutting a cake with Dr Jain and his wife. However, doubts emerged soon after. The Indian Medical Association alleged that Dr Hemlata was under pressure and harassment when the documents were executed. According to the association, her physical and mental condition at the time raised serious concerns about consent.

Administration steps in and legal battle begins

As tensions escalated, district authorities intervened. In mid-January, Dr Hemlata was admitted to a government medical college on the Collector’s orders. Later, she allegedly stated that the gift deed had been registered using false information, directly contradicting claims made by those seeking control of the land.

Adding another layer to the dispute, the Gayatri Mandir Trust claimed that Dr Hemlata wanted to donate her entire property to the trust. Her younger sister, Kanak Lata Mishra, was cited to support this version.

On the other hand, her Chhattisgarh-based sister, Shanti Mishra, took custody of the body after her death and has emerged as a key claimant in the family’s legal case.

With multiple parties staking claims, the matter quickly moved beyond a family disagreement.

Collector clarifies property status

Jabalpur District Collector Raghavendra Singh addressed the growing speculation and clarified crucial legal details. He said the Wright Town property is leasehold under the Municipal Corporation and cannot legally be donated, he was quoted by NDTV as saying.

He also stated that in a later recorded statement, Dr Hemlata denied donating the property. “The matter has been referred to the SDM court. Statements of all concerned parties are being recorded, and decisions will be taken strictly as per legal provisions,” the collector said.

Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about the final days of the senior doctor. There are reports that when her health worsened, she was allegedly taken away in a car linked to a religious group, prompting objections from neighbours and police intervention. Concerns have also been voiced over her hospital treatment, medication, and the rapid decline in her condition.

Dr Hemlata’s personal life adds to the tragedy. She lost her son, Dr Rachit Srivastava, to a sudden heart attack in 2022, and her husband passed away in December 2025. Once surrounded by family, she spent her final months alone in a large bungalow, with no direct heirs.

IMA officials have pointed out that she attended a medical conference in November 2025 in good health. By January 2026, they described her condition as extremely frail. Within weeks, she passed away, leaving behind a legal battle that is now unfolding in court.