Himaanshika Singh Rajput, a close friend and fellow tennis player, alleges Radhika’s life was strictly controlled by her parents, who couldn’t accept her independence. Police rule out communal angle.
July-13, 2025: In a deeply disturbing case from Gurugram, the tragic murder of 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav by her father Deepak Yadav has sent shockwaves across the nation. Three days after the incident, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, Radhika’s close friend and fellow tennis professional, shared an emotional video on social media, revealing unsettling details about the young athlete’s home life.
Also Read: Murdered Tennis Player Radhika Yadav Cremated, Father Says He Was Taunted For….
“My best friend Radhika was murdered by her own father. He shot her five times. Four bullets hit her. He had made her life miserable for years,” said Himaanshika. She accused Deepak Yadav of controlling every aspect of Radhika’s life, from her clothes to her friendships.
🔹 “They Shamed Her For Wearing Shorts”
According to Himaanshika, Radhika’s parents were overbearing and conservative, frequently shaming her for wearing shorts or speaking to boys. “They couldn’t stand to see her independent,” she said. Despite achieving success in her sport and even building her own tennis academy, Radhika reportedly struggled to cope with the mental strain at home.
Also Read: Why Did Tennis Star Radika Yadav’s Father Shoot her Dead?
“Even video calls were monitored. I had to appear on camera to prove it was me. She couldn’t return late, even though her academy was only 50 meters away,” Himaanshika added.
🔹 The Murder and Investigation
The incident took place at the family’s residence in Sector 57, Gurugram. Police confirmed that five bullets were fired, with three hitting Radhika in the back and one in the shoulder. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Her last rites were performed in Wazirabad, her ancestral village.
The accused father, Deepak Yadav, has been arrested. The weapon used in the shooting and the remaining ammunition were recovered. He has reportedly confessed to the crime, with his elder brother Vijay Yadav stating, “He said he should be hanged. He realises his mistake. The whole family is in shock.”
🔹 Police Rule Out “Love Jihad” Angle
As speculation grew about a possible communal motive, Himaanshika firmly rejected the rumors: “People are talking about love jihad. Where is the evidence? She was isolated. Her home was not a place of freedom.”
Police have also stated that they are not pursuing any communal or interfaith angle in the case. Instead, they are focused on the psychological and domestic abuse aspects.
🔹 Desire for Independence
Police sources revealed that a WhatsApp conversation between Radhika and her coach, Ajay Yadav, suggested she was planning to leave home and possibly move abroad. Following a shoulder injury, she had expressed interest in changing careers, exploring options like becoming a social media influencer or a coach.
“She assured her father she wouldn’t do anything to bring shame to the family,” said an Assistant Commissioner of Police. “But he remained deeply unhappy with her growing independence.”
Conclusion:
Radhika Yadav’s life was marked by talent, ambition, and resilience—but also by a stifling home environment that ultimately led to a horrifying end. As the investigation unfolds, her story has sparked a nationwide conversation on patriarchy, control, and the cost of denying young women their freedom.
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Radhika Yadav murder, Gurugram shooting, tennis player killed by father, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, Deepak Yadav arrested, honor killing India, women’s freedom, controlling parenting, no communal angle, domestic violence
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