In a major turn of events, in Gurugram, Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old state-level tennis player was gunned down by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their residence in Sector 57. The crime incident was happened on July 9. It has initiated a broader debate on parental control, violence against women and societal pressure.
What Happened to Radhika Yadav?
It was in the kitchen, says Gurugram Police, that Radhika was shot at five times by her father using his licenced revolver, three of the shots hitting her from behind and killing her. The alleged reason for the killing was an ongoing feud over Radhika’s professional life and increasing independence. She owned a tennis academy that Deepak Yadav disapproved of, apparently.
The FIR filed by police shows that Deepak was shamed by villagers back in his hometown Wazirabad, who ridiculed him for surviving on the earnings of his daughter. Investigators claim the 55-year-old man admitted that his “dignity was hurt” and confessed plotting the attack after endless fights with Radhika.
ALSO READ: Tennis Star Radhika Yadav Shot Dead By Her Father In Gurugram’s Sushant Lok Phase 2
Deepak was dissatisfied with Radhika Yadav’s lifestyle
There are also hearsay reports that Deepak was dissatisfied with Radhika’s lifestyle, such as her social media activity and a presumed relationship he didn’t condone. Police are investigating all possible motivations, including emotional factors and cultural conditioning concerning patriarchy and control.
Radhika Yadav was not only a tennis player. She was 113th in the ITF women’s doubles and 5th in doubles from Haryana, and she had represented India at various tournaments and had inspired lots of young sportsmen. She kept guiding young players even after she got injured recently.
Radhika had resided with her uncle and parents in Gurugram. Her mother and uncle were at home on the day murder took place. Her uncle Kuldeep had taken her to the hospital, and later she was dead.
Radhika Yadav’s murder sparks debate
Most are demanding greater introspection of how social pressure and toxic masculinity might lead to such crimes right within families.
Deepak Yadav has been taken into custody by the police. The investigators are attempting to compile the complete motive, and psychological analysis has been sought.
This senseless crime underscores the ingrained problems of honor, domination, and societal expectation that beset so many women in India. Radhika Yadav’s death is not a domestic family dispute it is an indication of the battles that ambitious, self-reliant women continue to encounter, very often within their own homes.
ALSO READ: Who was Radhika Yadav? Indian Tennis Player Shot Dead By Father At Gurugram Home
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
