Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old tennis player who had represented India at the state and international levels, was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their home in Gurugram’s Sushant Lok, Sector 57, on Thursday morning. Radhika, who had achieved a career-best ITF doubles ranking of 113 and was known for her coaching work after a shoulder injury, was preparing breakfast in the kitchen when the tragedy occurred.
The Incident: How It Unfolded
The incident took place around 10:30 am on the first floor of the family’s double-storey residence. According to police, Deepak Yadav fired multiple rounds from his licensed .32 bore revolver. Autopsy reports confirm that Radhika was shot four times from behind, with bullets striking her waist and back. Family members rushed her to a nearby private hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
A Deadly Mix of Family Tensions and Societal Pressure
The motive behind the murder appears to be a culmination of long-standing family tensions and societal taunts. Police investigations revealed that Deepak Yadav was deeply unhappy with his daughter’s independence, particularly her decision to continue running a tennis academy despite his repeated objections.“He had been upset for a while as he was being taunted by locals over his daughter's income. He was troubled by their remarks—they would keep saying the house is running on her money, and he is too dependent on that,” Inspector Vinod Kumar told The Indian Express.
Deepak Yadav had invested significant sums—reportedly up to $23,300—to support Radhika’s tennis career and help her open an academy. Despite this, he was reportedly known for his temper and suspicion, often reacting harshly to perceived slights within the family.
Social Media, Music Videos, and Rising Friction
The immediate trigger for the fatal shooting was reportedly an altercation over a social media post, specifically a video reel Radhika had shot for Instagram. Police are also investigating whether Radhika’s involvement in a recently released music video played a role in escalating the conflict at home.“This angle is also being investigated,” said a police official familiar with the case.During interrogation, Deepak confessed that he was angered by his daughter’s refusal to close her academy and her growing public profile, which he believed brought shame due to societal taunts and his own insecurities.
The Aftermath: Arrest and Investigation
Deepak Yadav was arrested soon after the incident and has confessed to the crime. The weapon used—a licensed revolver—has been recovered from the residence.“We received a call from the hospital regarding a woman admitted with gunshot wounds. By the time we arrived, she had passed away. Statements from family members confirmed that the father was responsible,” said Sandeep Kumar, public relations officer of Gurugram Police.Radhika’s uncle, who lived on the ground floor, filed the complaint after hearing gunshots and rushing upstairs to find his niece gravely injured.
A Life Remembered
Radhika Yadav was born on March 23, 2000, and had made significant strides in Indian tennis, ranking within the top 200 in ITF doubles and fifth in Haryana’s women’s doubles. She had transitioned to coaching after a shoulder injury, opening her own academy and even featuring in a music video released in 2024.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to probe all angles, including family dynamics, financial issues, and the impact of Radhika’s public presence on social media and in music videos. The case has reignited conversations about patriarchy, gender violence, and the pressures faced by women who pursue independence and public success in India.
