Lucknow, May 15 -- The mortal remains of Prateek Yadav, stepbrother of Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and husband of BJP leader Aparna Yadav, were consigned to flames at the Baikunth Dham cremation ground here on Thursday afternoon amid an outpouring of grief from family, political leaders and supporters. Prateek, aged 38, passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering from a lung-related illness. His last rites were performed more than 24 hours after his death. His father-in-law Arvind Singh Bisht lit the funeral pyre. Akhilesh Yadav placed wood on the pyre and paid his final respects. Prateek's two daughters also participated in the rituals by offering wood. The funeral procession drew thousands of mourners who walked alongside the truck carrying the body, raising slogans of "Prateek Yadav Amar Rahe." Shivpal Yadav's son Aditya Yadav, the Samajwadi Party MP from Badaun, and other family members shouldered the mortal remains. As per tradition, the body was placed on the ground five times during the journey, including a brief halt near the Samajwadi Party office close to Prateek's residence. Senior leaders from both the Samajwadi Party and the BJP were present at the cremation ground. Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, SP leaders Dharmendra Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad, Shivpal Yadav and other members of the Yadav clan paid their tributes. Prateek's wife Aparna remained by his body throughout the night with their daughters as people streamed in to offer their condolences. A photograph of Prateek with his pet dogs and a monkey was displayed on the hearse, reflecting his deep love for animals. According to the post-mortem report, Prateek died due to cardiorespiratory collapse caused by massive pulmonary thromboembolism. The report also noted six injuries on his body - three sustained about a week earlier and three from the previous day. His viscera has been preserved for further examination....