Radhika Yadav
Gurugram, Haryana, July 11, 2025 – A heartbreaking incident has rocked the city of Gurugram, where 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was fatally shot by her father, Deepak Yadav, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The tragedy unfolded in their family home in Sector 57, Sushant Lok Phase-2, leaving everyone in shock and raising questions about what led to such a devastating act.
What Happened?
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. in the family’s double-story residence. Radhika, a talented tennis player known for her dedication to the sport, was in the kitchen when her father allegedly fired five shots from his licensed .32 bore revolver. Three bullets struck Radhika, and she succumbed to her injuries on the spot. Her family members, including her uncle Kuldeep Yadav, who lived on the ground floor, rushed her to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her dead on arrival. Deepak Yadav, 49, was arrested at the scene, and the weapon was recovered by the police.
A Rising Star in Tennis
Radhika Yadav was no ordinary athlete. Born on March 23, 2000, she was a rising star in Haryana’s tennis circuit, with a promising career in doubles tennis. She achieved a career-best ranking of 113th in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) doubles category and was ranked among the top five women’s doubles players in Haryana by the All India Tennis Association (AITA). Radhika also ran a tennis academy, mentoring young players and contributing to the growth of the sport in her community. Her passion for tennis and her commitment to inspiring others made her a beloved figure among peers and aspiring athletes.
What Led to the Tragedy?
Initial police investigations point to a heated argument between Radhika and her father as the trigger for the incident. Deepak Yadav reportedly opposed his daughter’s decision to continue running her tennis academy, a venture she was deeply passionate about. Sources close to the family say Deepak, who relied on rental income, disapproved of Radhika’s focus on the academy, possibly due to financial disagreements. Some reports also suggest he was upset about her active presence on social media, particularly her creation of Instagram reels, though police have not confirmed this as the sole motive.
Station House Officer Rajender Kumar stated, “The accused has confessed to the crime. We are questioning family members to understand the full context and to rule out any other motives.” A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under relevant sections of the BNS, including murder, and a postmortem was conducted on Radhika’s body to gather further evidence.
Ongoing Investigation
The Gurugram police are diving deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are interviewing family members and reviewing forensic evidence to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. While Deepak Yadav has confessed, investigators are exploring whether underlying family tensions or other factors contributed to the crime. The licensed revolver used in the shooting has been sent for forensic analysis.
The tragedy has sparked conversations about domestic violence and the pressures faced by young women pursuing their dreams in the face of familial opposition. For now, the focus remains on seeking justice for Radhika and understanding the factors that led to this unthinkable act.
Moving Forward
This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of addressing family conflicts before they escalate. Radhika Yadav’s legacy as a talented athlete and mentor will live on, even as her loved ones and the nation mourn her untimely death.
Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds.
