Three days after the tragic killing of 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav in Gurugram, her best friend and fellow athlete Himaanshika Singh Rajput has publicly accused Radhika’s father, Deepak Yadav, of years of emotional abuse that ultimately led to her murder.
In emotional Instagram posts, Himaanshika alleged that Radhika had long suffered under controlling parents who shamed her for her independence, choice of clothing, and friendships—especially with boys.
“She was murdered by her own father. He shot her five times, four bullets hit her,” Himaanshika said in a video tribute. “They couldn’t stand her being independent. They constantly criticised her, even on video calls. She had to prove who she was with.”
Radhika had reportedly become increasingly isolated, with limited personal freedom despite her professional success. She had recently launched her own tennis academy and had built a strong sporting career since 2012.
Himaanshika also dismissed communal angle speculations around the murder, calling such theories baseless. “She barely spoke to anyone outside her family. She was reserved and controlled, not involved in any such relationship,” she clarified.
Radhika was shot at her home in Gurugram’s Sector 57 on July 9. Police said her father, Deepak Yadav, fired five rounds—three striking her back and one her shoulder. She later died in hospital. During interrogation, Deepak reportedly broke down and told relatives he deserved execution. Police say he has given minimal information and appears to be in shock.
While initial suspicion extended to Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, police have now ruled out her involvement. “She was unaware of his intentions,” said Gurugram Police PRO Sandeep Kumar.
A local court has remanded Deepak Yadav to 14-day judicial custody. Radhika’s last rites were performed at her ancestral village in Wazirabad.
