Key Points:
81 year old Jabalpur ophthalmologist Dr Hemlata Srivastava died in February 2026, triggering a property dispute.
₹60 crore, 11,000 sq ft Wright Town land now has multiple claimants including doctors, sisters and a religious trust.
Documents were allegedly signed around January 15 after her health suddenly deteriorated post her January 12 birthday.
Administration sealed the house and confirmed the land is municipal leasehold, making transfer legally complex.
SDM court will examine validity of documents and decide ownership, likely leading to a prolonged civil case.
The death of senior ophthalmologist Dr Hemlata Srivastava, 81, in Jabalpur has triggered a dramatic inheritance battle, with several claimants staking rights over her prime property even before her last rites were performed.
Dr Srivastava was found dead at her Wright Town residence in February 2026. Soon after news spread, individuals and organizations began asserting ownership over her land valued at nearly ₹60 crore. Authorities had to intervene to prevent confrontation and secure the bungalow.
The disputed property measures about 11,000 square feet and lies in one of Jabalpur’s most expensive neighborhoods.
Dr Srivastava celebrated her 81st birthday on January 12, 2026, cutting a cake with fellow doctor Dr Sumit Jain and his wife Prachi Jain.
Within days her health reportedly deteriorated and by January 15 she was critically ill. Around this period, documents related to the property were allegedly signed, which later became the center of the dispute.
As tensions grew, the district administration admitted her to a government medical college hospital. Police were also alerted after neighbors objected to people attempting to take her away while she was unwell.
She died weeks later in February 2026.
Dr Sumit Jain stated Dr Srivastava willingly executed documents gifting the land for construction of a hospital in memory of her late family members and that she was mentally alert at the time.
The Indian Medical Association alleged she was pressured into signing papers when she was physically weak and vulnerable.
The Gayatri Mandir Trust claimed she intended to donate the property to the trust. Her sister Kanak Lata Mishra reportedly supported this version.
Another sister, Shanti Mishra, who handled funeral arrangements, has also asserted legal rights over the estate.
Jabalpur Collector Raghavendra Singh clarified the land is municipal leasehold property and cannot be freely transferred or donated outright.
Officials also recorded a later statement in which Dr Srivastava denied gifting the land. The dispute has now been referred to the SDM court, where statements of all parties will be examined.
Authorities have sealed and secured the property as the investigation continues.
The SDM court will now determine the fate of the ₹60 crore Wright Town property, a case that highlights growing concerns about property conflicts involving elderly individuals living alone.
(Rh/ARC)
