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In a deeply unsettling incident that has left the tennis community and many across India reeling, 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their home in Gurugram’s Sector 57. Three days after the murder, her close friend and fellow tennis player Himaanshika Singh Rajput took to social media with a heartbreaking video tribute — and explosive claims about the years of control, emotional abuse, and pressure Radhika endured.

“She was my best friend,” Himaanshika said, visibly emotional in her video. “And her own father killed her. He shot her five times — four bullets hit her. He had been making her life miserable for years. Always controlling, always criticizing. In the end, he gave in to so-called friends who were jealous of her success.”

The outpouring of grief quickly turned into a wider conversation about parental control, social expectations, and the cost of independence — especially for young women navigating professional success in traditional households.

“She Wasn’t Allowed to Live on Her Own Terms”

According to Himaanshika, Radhika had struggled under intense restrictions at home. Her clothing choices were policed, her interactions monitored, and any assertion of independence was met with disapproval. “They shamed her for wearing shorts, for speaking to boys, for just being herself,” she said.

Despite these challenges, Radhika had worked tirelessly to build her tennis career — even launching her own tennis academy. But with rising success came rising tension. “She loved making videos, taking pictures. But over time, she stopped. They couldn’t stand her independence,” her friend added.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Himaanshika Singh Rajput (@himaanshika)

On the day of the incident, police say Deepak fired five rounds. Four bullets struck Radhika — three in her back and one in her shoulder. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Her final rites were held in the family’s native village of Wazirabad.

“Even on Video Calls, She Had to Prove It Was Me”

Reflecting on their friendship, Himaanshika revealed how deeply isolated Radhika had become in recent years. “We started playing tennis together in 2012 or 2013. We traveled for matches, trained side by side. But she never spoke to anyone outside her family. She was always accounting for her whereabouts. Even on calls, she had to show her parents who she was speaking to — I had to appear on screen to prove it was just me,” she recalled.

No ‘Love Jihad’ Angle, Say Police

As rumors swirled online suggesting a communal motive behind the killing, Himaanshika strongly pushed back. “People are bringing up love jihad. But where’s the proof? She hardly spoke to anyone. She lived under constant restrictions. Her home was not a place of freedom.”

Police have also dismissed any communal or interfaith angles. Investigators are treating the case strictly as a domestic crime rooted in escalating family conflict.

“He Said He Should Be Hanged”: Family Reacts

Deepak Yadav has since been arrested. The weapon used and remaining ammunition were recovered from the crime scene. He was first remanded to police custody and is now in judicial custody.

In a statement to the media, Deepak’s elder brother Vijay Yadav revealed that the accused has confessed and shown remorse. “He told us he should be hanged. He understands what he’s done. The entire family is in shock.”

Social Media And Independence

According to police, Radhika had been increasingly exploring new avenues beyond tennis — especially after a shoulder injury. Conversations retrieved from WhatsApp suggest she had expressed interest in moving abroad or transitioning into the world of digital content creation.

“She talked about becoming a social media influencer,” an Assistant Commissioner of Police shared. “Later, she began coaching and opened her own academy. She also reassured her father that she would never do anything to dishonor the family. But it wasn’t enough for him.”

Sources close to the investigation say Radhika’s growing digital presence — including frequent Instagram reels — was a particular sore point for her father. Deepak allegedly asked her repeatedly to take down her online content. His frustration reportedly intensified as she gained financial independence through her tennis academy.