Gurugram: In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, 25-year-old national-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father at their residence in Gurugram on Thursday morning.
Police confirmed that Deepak Yadav, 49, fired five rounds from his licensed .32 bore revolver, three of which struck his daughter in the back while she was preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
The fatal shooting occurred around 10:30 am at the family’s home in the Wazirabad area. According to authorities, Deepak Yadav later confessed to the murder, citing social pressure and criticism from villagers in his native Wazirabad as key triggers.
He claimed that repeated jibes about living off his daughter’s success and earnings drove him to the breaking point.
“I was constantly mocked when I went to the village to get milk. People accused me of relying on my daughter’s income and even made derogatory remarks about her character,” Deepak reportedly told police during interrogation. “I asked her to shut down her tennis academy, but she refused.”
Police officials said the tension had been simmering in the family for some time. Radhika’s independence, her growing popularity on social media platforms, and her appearance in a music video had reportedly become points of contention between her and her father.
These factors, combined with the public criticism Deepak faced, allegedly contributed to his decision to commit the heinous act.
Radhika was rushed to Asia Maringo Hospital in Sector 56 by her uncle and cousin, but doctors declared her dead on arrival. Kuldeep Yadav, Radhika’s uncle who lives on the ground floor of the same house, told investigators he was alerted by the sound of gunfire.
“Around 10:30 am, I heard loud bangs. When I ran upstairs, I saw Radhika lying motionless on the kitchen floor. The revolver was lying in the drawing room. My son and I took her to the hospital immediately, but it was too late,” Kuldeep told police.
Deepak did not attempt to flee the scene and surrendered to law enforcement shortly after the incident. The murder weapon, a licensed revolver, was recovered from the crime scene. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, and Deepak is currently in custody.
Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, was present in the house at the time of the shooting. However, she has so far declined to provide a formal statement, telling investigators that she had locked herself in her room due to illness and was unaware of what had happened until after the gunshots.
Police officials stated that Manju informed them she was running a fever and remained in her room throughout the incident. Her verbal account has been noted, but she has not submitted a written statement.
Radhika Yadav was a promising athlete who had represented the state in several national tournaments. She had recently set up a tennis academy in Gurugram to train young aspirants. Friends and neighbours described her as a vibrant and determined young woman who was deeply passionate about the sport.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage and mourning across the sports community and the city. Tributes poured in from fellow athletes, coaches, and public figures, condemning the senseless act and highlighting the need for stronger mental health and family support systems.
“This is not just a loss for her family but for the entire sports community. Radhika was a rising star,” said a senior official from the Haryana Tennis Association.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are trying to piece together the complete sequence of events and underlying motives.
Forensic teams have examined the crime scene, and the revolver has been sent for ballistic analysis. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area and speaking to neighbors and relatives.
As the city reels from this tragic episode, questions are being raised about domestic pressures, social stigma, and the challenges faced by independent young women navigating traditional family expectations.
