Radhika Yadav

The Athlete & Mentor

• Born: March 23, 2000 (Haryana)

• Career Status Highlights:

• Achieved ITF women’s doubles ranking between #113–#1999; held a #75 in AITA U‑18 doubles and was #5 in Haryana women’s doubles.

• Competed internationally in 2024–25 across Indore, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Tunisia W15 tournament.

• Suffered a shoulder injury, prompting her shift from player to academy founder in Gurugram, training many young athletes.

The Fatal Incident

• Date & Time: July 10, 2025, around 10:30 AM in their Sushant Lok 2 home, Gurugra.

• What Happened:

  • Father, Deepak Yadav (49), used his licensed .32‑bore revolver, firing five times, with three bullets hitting Radhika in the back and neck during a quarrel in the kitchen.

  • Her brother and neighbors rushed her to Asia Maringo Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.

• Immediate Aftermath:

• Deepak was arrested at the scene, confessed to police, and the revolver was recovered.

• FIR was registered by uncle Kuldeep Yadav at Sector 56 Police Station under murder and Arms Act provision.

• The Tragic Incident (July 10, 2025)

  • When & Where: Around 10:30 AM, in the kitchen of the family home, Sushant Lok, Sector 57, Gurugram.

  • What Happened:

    • Her father, Deepak Yadav (49), used his licensed .32‑bore revolver, firing five shots; three struck Radhika in the back/neck, killing her instantly.

    • She died at the scene or immediately upon reaching the hospital.

  • Police Response:

    • Armed with bullet wounds, Radhika was rushed to a local hospital and declared dead.

    • Deepak Yadav was arrested on site; the revolver recovered.

    • FIR filed by Radhika’s uncle; police investigating motive and circumstances.

Probing the Motive

Police and family accounts reveal a complicated nexus of factors:

1. Dispute Over Academy:

   • Deepak objected to Radhika financially supporting the family through her academy and insisted she shut it down. The conflict over this persisted and escalated.

2. Social Humiliation:

   • Friends and neighbors allegedly taunted Deepak, accusing him of living off his daughter’s income—a blow to his pride in their Wazirabad village—deepening his resentment.

3. Social Media Reels:

• Some sources also attribute tension to Radhika’s active Instagram Reels. While police emphasize the academy dispute, Deepak mentioned both factors in FIR .

Investigating the Motive

1. Dispute over the Tennis Academy

• Deepak reportedly resented Radhika’s independence, believing she overshadowed him financially.

• He felt social pressure, with relatives allegedly mocking him for “living off his daughter’s earnings”.

• He pressured her to shut down the academy; she refused.

2. Social Media Reels Angle

• Initial reports suggested tension over her Instagram reels, thought to be “shaming the family”.

• However, police later clarified that the academy issue was the primary motive, not the reels themselves.

Legal Developments

• The FIR cites Deepak’s confession, indicating premeditation fueled by “insult and mental trauma” over community remarks and academy operation.

• Charges include murder and violations under the Arms Act, with evidence from weapon, bullet shells, fingerprints, and blood samples.

• Deepak remains in police custody while post‑mortem, forensic, and witness interviews continue.

Her Legacy and National Reaction

• Shock and mourning rippled across the Indian sports fraternity and national media.

• She was seen as a trailblazer: a young coach and thriving female entrepreneur in sports.

• Critics and advocates highlighted the case as a harrowing example of patriarchy, gender bias, and honor-based violence in modern India .

• Her academy and aspirations have amplified calls for better protection and greater respect for women pursuing independence.

Public & Sports Community Response

• Shock and Mourning:

  • The sports fraternity, including the Haryana Tennis Association, reacted with grief. Radhika was described as disciplined, respectful, and focused—even if without major titles.

• Broader Societal Debate:

  • The case has intensified discussions around patriarchal control, female financial independence, and honor-based violence.

• Mental Health Focus:

  • Experts suggest the incident underscores the need for better access to mental health support, to address toxic masculinity and familial tensions during economic shifts.

Key Details at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Affiliation	ITF-ranked, national & state-level tennis player
Academy	Owned and ran a coaching academy post-injury
Age at Death	25
Location of Incident	Kitchen, Gurugram home
Weapon	Licensed .32‑bore revolver; fired 5 rounds
Shooter	Father Deepak Yadav, aged 49; arrested
Charges Filed	Murder & Arms Act violations
Motives Cited	Financial resentment, social humiliation, academy conflict, Instagram                     Reels
Evidence	FIR confession, weapon, bullets, fingerprints
Current Status	Deepak in custody; investigations ongoing
Public Reaction	Sports community mourning; societal debate sparked