In a heartbreaking incident that has left the nation in shock, 25-year-old Radhika Yadav, a talented tennis player from Gurugram, Haryana, was tragically shot dead by her own father, Deepak Yadav, on July 10, 2025. The incident, which took place at their family home in the upscale Sushant Lok area of Sector 57, has sparked widespread grief and outrage, particularly within India’s sporting community. According to police reports, the motive behind this horrific act was a mix of family tensions, primarily linked to Deepak’s disapproval of Radhika’s social media activities and her running a tennis academy.
A Rising Star in Indian Tennis
Radhika Yadav was no ordinary young woman. Born on March 23, 2000, she had made a name for herself in the world of tennis, both at the state and national levels. She was a former junior international player who had climbed to an impressive career-high ranking of 113 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) women’s doubles rankings as of November 4, 2024. Her passion for the sport was evident from a young age, and her father, Deepak, had once been her biggest supporter, accompanying her to practice sessions and tournaments.
However, a shoulder injury two years ago forced Radhika to step back from competitive play. Unwilling to give up her love for tennis, she turned her energy toward coaching and opened her own tennis academy in Gurugram. There, she trained young children, passing on her skills and inspiring the next generation of players. Her academy was a source of pride for her, but it also became a point of conflict with her father.
The Tragic Day
On the morning of July 10, 2025, around 10:30 AM, Radhika was in the kitchen of their double-storey home, preparing a special meal for her mother, Manju Yadav, who was unwell and resting due to a fever. It was also her mother’s birthday, adding a layer of poignancy to the tragedy. According to police, Deepak Yadav, aged 49, entered the kitchen during a heated argument and fired five shots from his licensed .32 bore revolver. Three bullets struck Radhika in the back, and she collapsed instantly. Despite being rushed to Asia Maringo Hospital in Sector 56 by her uncle Kuldeep Yadav and cousin Piyush, she was declared dead on arrival.
Radhika’s mother, Manju, was on the same floor during the incident but was unaware of the shooting, initially mistaking the gunshots for a pressure cooker blast. Deepak was arrested shortly after, and the murder weapon was recovered from the drawing room of their home. He has since confessed to the crime, and a court in Gurugram sent him to one-day police custody on July 11, 2025, for further questioning.
What Led to the Tragedy?
The Gurugram Police have revealed that the root of the conflict between Radhika and her father was multifaceted. Deepak was reportedly unhappy with Radhika’s decision to run her tennis academy, which she refused to shut down despite his repeated demands. He felt humiliated by taunts from relatives and villagers in their native Wazirabad, who mocked him for “living off his daughter’s earnings.” These remarks struck at his pride, especially since Deepak, a former car parts shop owner, relied on rental income after closing his business.
Adding fuel to the fire was Radhika’s growing presence on social media. Known for her vibrant personality, she often posted Instagram Reels, including celebratory dance videos with her father after tournaments. However, tensions escalated when Radhika appeared in a music video titled Karwaan, released a year ago under LLF Records. The video, featuring romantic sequences with artist INAAM, drew attention but also disapproval from Deepak, who was troubled by rumors questioning Radhika’s character. According to police sources, he felt her social media activity and the music video brought shame to the family.
The police are investigating all angles, including whether Deepak’s objections extended to Radhika’s personal relationships or her financial independence. While the tennis academy and social media disputes appear central, the investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the family dynamics that led to this tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
Radhika’s death has sent shockwaves through Gurugram’s tennis community and beyond. Fellow tennis professionals, including Saunjanya Bavisetti and Sharmada Balu, expressed their grief, describing her as a vibrant soul with a heartwarming smile. On social media, tributes poured in from those who knew her as a coach and player. Veena Venugopal, a parent whose child was coached by Radhika, wrote on Facebook, “Utterly shocked that my tennis coach—a vivacious, lovely, sweet 25-year-old—was shot dead by her own father today!” Another user, Devsurabhee Yaduvanshi, condemned the act, saying, “I hope this murderer rots in jail.”
Neighbors and parents of Radhika’s students were equally stunned, noting that Deepak had once been a dedicated supporter of her career. Mona Sharma, whose daughter trained under Radhika, recalled how he used to drive her to practice daily. The contrast between his past support and this violent act has left many grappling with disbelief.
A Broader Reflection
Radhika’s murder has sparked conversations about deeper societal issues in India, particularly around gender expectations and family dynamics. Despite her success as a tennis player and coach, Radhika faced scrutiny for her financial independence and social media presence, highlighting the pressures women often face in balancing personal aspirations with familial expectations. The taunts Deepak endured about “living off his daughter’s income” reflect a troubling mindset that undermines women’s achievements and places undue burdens on traditional notions of pride and honor.
The tragedy also raises questions about the role of social media in modern Indian households. While platforms like Instagram offer young people a space to express themselves, they can also become sources of conflict, especially when generational differences come into play. Radhika’s case underscores the need for open communication within families to bridge these gaps and prevent such devastating outcomes.
The Road Ahead
As the investigation continues, the Gurugram Police are examining Radhika’s phone and social media activity to gain further insight into the events leading up to her death. An FIR has been registered against Deepak Yadav under murder and firearm-related sections of the Indian Penal Code. The forensic and ballistic tests of the revolver are underway, and authorities are questioning family members to piece together the full story.
Radhika Yadav’s life was cut short just as she was carving out a new path as a coach and influencer. Her story is a painful reminder of the fragility of dreams and the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts. For now, her loss is mourned by a nation that saw her as a rising star, and her memory lives on in the hearts of those she inspired on and off the tennis court.
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Last Updated on: Friday, July 11, 2025 3:24 pm by Naga Surya Teja Ganpisetty | Published by: Naga Surya Teja Ganpisetty on Friday, July 11, 2025 3:19 pm | News Categories: News
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