In a harrowing incident that has stunned the sports community and the nation, 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was fatally shot by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their family residence in Gurugram’s Sector 57, Sushant Lok Phase-2, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The Gurugram Police have revealed that the murder was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated crime, with Deepak Yadav, aged 49, allegedly planning the killing of his daughter over ongoing disputes. This article delves into the details of the incident, the motives behind the crime, the investigation, and the broader implications, drawing from multiple reports and police statements.
The Incident
The tragic event unfolded around 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Yadav family’s two-storey home in the upscale Sushant Lok area of Gurugram. Radhika Yadav, a promising tennis player who had represented Haryana in state-level tournaments and was once ranked among the top 200 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) women’s doubles, was in the kitchen preparing breakfast when her father, Deepak Yadav, shot her multiple times. According to police reports, Deepak fired five rounds from his licensed .32 bore revolver, with three bullets striking Radhika in the back and one in the shoulder, while one shot missed. Radhika attempted to flee but succumbed to her injuries on the spot.
The police were alerted after Radhika was rushed to a hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Her uncle, Kuldeep Yadav, who lived on the ground floor of the same residence, heard a loud noise and discovered Radhika lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen. The murder weapon was recovered from the drawing room, and Deepak Yadav was arrested at the scene. On Friday, July 11, 2025, he was produced in court and remanded to one-day police custody, with investigators seeking an extended remand due to inconsistencies in his statements.
The Motive: A Web of Disputes
The Gurugram Police have identified the primary motive behind the murder as a prolonged dispute between Radhika and her father over her tennis academy and financial independence. Radhika, who had transitioned from a competitive tennis career to coaching after a shoulder injury, trained aspiring players by booking courts at various locations in Gurugram, as she did not own a dedicated academy. Deepak, who had financially supported her venture with an investment of approximately Rs 2 crore, reportedly grew frustrated with her career choices. He was taunted by relatives and villagers in his native Wazirabad for allegedly “living off his daughter’s income,” a sentiment that deeply angered him.
According to police sources, Deepak had repeatedly asked Radhika to shut down her training sessions, which involved coaching around 50 players, but she refused, citing the significant investment he had made. This disagreement escalated tensions in the household, culminating in the fatal confrontation. Additionally, Deepak’s frustration was compounded by societal pressures and taunts, with some villagers calling him a “gira hua baap” (fallen father) for supporting his daughter’s ambitions.
Another angle under investigation involves Radhika’s social media presence. Reports suggest that Deepak disapproved of her frequent Instagram activity, particularly a music video titled Karwaan, released in 2024 under LLF Records, in which she appeared alongside independent artist Inaam Ul Haq. The video, shot in Delhi in the presence of Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, sparked speculation about its role in the murder. However, police have stated that the video, uploaded in 2023, is unlikely to be directly connected to the crime, as Deepak’s primary grievance was her coaching activities. The investigation has also ruled out honor killing or romantic disputes, despite unconfirmed claims from a neighbor that Deepak opposed Radhika’s alleged interest in marrying someone outside their caste.
A Planned Murder
The Gurugram Police have revealed chilling details about the premeditated nature of the crime. On the morning of the incident, Deepak sent his son on an errand to buy milk, an unusual request as he typically handled this task himself. This ensured that he was alone with Radhika in the house, providing him the opportunity to carry out the murder. Police official Sandeep Kumar, the public relations officer for Gurugram Police, confirmed that Deepak admitted to planning the killing, stating, “He admitted during questioning that he planned the murder.” The presence of Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, on the first floor during the shooting has raised questions, with some reports suggesting she mistook the gunshots for a pressure cooker blast. The police are investigating her role, if any, in the incident.
Deepak’s inconsistent statements during interrogation have prompted investigators to seek an extended remand to uncover further details. While he initially cited societal taunts and financial disputes as his motives, his lack of cooperation has led police to explore all possible angles, including family dynamics and other unreported tensions.
Radhika Yadav: A Rising Star
Radhika Yadav was a celebrated figure in Haryana’s tennis circuit, known for her agility, on-court intelligence, and relentless work ethic. She had achieved a ranking of 113 in ITF doubles and was ranked fifth in women’s doubles in Haryana, earning respect for her discipline and sportsmanship. Her transition to coaching after a career-ending shoulder injury showcased her dedication to the sport, as she trained aspiring players with passion. Her peers in the tennis community, including emerging talents like Poorvi Bhatt and Thaniya Sarai Gogulamanda, mourned her loss, expressing shock at the brutality of her death.
The sports fraternity and local community in Gurugram have been left reeling, with many questioning how a father who supported his daughter’s career could commit such a heinous act. Radhika’s cremation on Friday, July 11, 2025, was attended by relatives, friends, and members of the tennis community, who paid tribute to her legacy as a talented athlete and inspiring coach.
The Investigation and Public Reaction
The Gurugram Police, led by Station House Officer Vinod Kumar of Sector 56, are conducting a thorough investigation, including forensic examination and interviews with family members and neighbors. The recovery of the licensed revolver and Deepak’s confession have strengthened the case against him, with charges filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for murder. The police have dismissed speculative motives such as honor killing or disputes over the music video, focusing instead on the financial and social pressures cited by Deepak.
Public reaction, as reflected in posts on X, has been one of outrage and disbelief. The incident has sparked debates about parental control, societal expectations, and the pressures faced by young women in pursuing their ambitions. Some posts inaccurately attributed the murder to Radhika’s Instagram reels, highlighting the need for verified information in such sensitive cases.
you can also read: https://delhinewswire.in/samsung-launches-sleeker-foldable-smartphones-a-new-era-for-the-galaxy-z-series/
Last Updated on Saturday, July 12, 2025 2:47 pm by Mahitha Ventrapati
About The Author
