Gurugram, July 11, 2025 – In a shocking and tragic turn of events, 25-year-old tennis sensation Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their residence in Gurugram’s Sector 57 on Thursday morning. A promising athlete and the heart behind a budding tennis academy, Radhika’s life was cut short in what investigators are calling a crime driven by “hurt pride” and social stigma.
Authorities said the event happened in their home’s kitchen at around 10:30 a.m. Deepak Yadav, 51, reportedly fired three rounds at his daughter following a heated disagreement. After other family members testified, he was taken into custody soon after the incident.
What Caused the Fatal Argument?
According to investigations, Deepak had been having emotional difficulties for a few weeks. Relatives in their hometown of Wazirabad reportedly made fun of him for relying on Radhika’s earnings from her tennis academy, humiliating him. He repeatedly pushed Radhika to shut down the academy, according to sources, but she resisted, determined to follow her passion and help up-and-coming artists.
“He confessed that ongoing humiliation about his daughter being the family’s sole earner wounded his pride deeply,” said ACP Yashwant Yadav. “He told us he couldn’t take the social ridicule anymore.”
Was It Just About the Academy?
While the primary motive appears to be the clash over the academy, police are not ruling out other angles. One line of inquiry suggests that the father may have objected to a personal relationship Radhika was involved in, or to a social media reel posted recently—both currently under investigation.
A Star Lost Too Soon
Radhika was more than just a state-level tennis player. A graduate of Scottish High International School, she was known for her drive, charm, and vibrant personality. Despite a recent shoulder injury, she remained actively involved in running her tennis academy and continued to mentor aspiring players.
Friends and students remember her as “inspirational, cheerful, and full of life.” In a tragic twist, videos from just weeks ago show her dancing joyfully with her father after winning a tournament—moments now haunting in hindsight.
Her mother, Manju Yadav, declined to give a police statement, citing illness and trauma.
Legal Proceedings Underway
An FIR has been filed at Sector 56 Police Station, and Deepak Yadav remains in custody. As the investigation unfolds, the city mourns the loss of a young icon who had so much more to offer.