Why did Radhika Yadav’s father kill her? Shocking details from Gurugram murder case

What was first seen as a shocking act of violence has now revealed deeper layers of planning, conflict, and emotional turmoil. The murder of 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav, allegedly at the hands of her own father, has left the sports community, local residents, and the nation stunned.

According to the Gurugram police, Deepak Yadav, a 51-year-old builder and the father of the young athlete, confessed to killing his daughter in what investigators believe was a premeditated act. Radhika was shot four times in the back while she was preparing breakfast at their home in Sushant Lok-2 around 10:30 am on Thursday.

“This was not a sudden outburst. He admitted to planning it,” said Sandeep Kumar, Public Relations Officer for Gurugram police. “On the morning of the incident, he made sure his son was out of the house by sending him to buy milk—a task he usually did himself. He waited until he was alone with Radhika before pulling the trigger.”

The motive, while still under investigation, appears to be tied to longstanding tensions between father and daughter. Police sources revealed that Deepak Yadav was upset over Radhika’s independence, her growing fame, and especially her refusal to shut down her recently opened tennis academy. According to investigators, he faced frequent taunts in their native village of Wazirabad, where people reportedly mocked him for “living off his daughter’s earnings.”

“He felt humiliated,” an officer involved in the case said. “Despite being financially stable through real estate and rental income, Deepak struggled with the public perception that he had become dependent on Radhika’s success.”

Additional reports from Wazirabad, a village previously in the spotlight due to influencer Elvish Yadav, suggest that caste-related disagreements also played a role in their strained relationship. Radhika had reportedly expressed interest in marrying someone outside her caste—an idea her father strongly opposed.

“There were arguments between them recently about this,” said an old neighbor from the village. “He was conservative and could not accept her choice.”

On the day of the murder, Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, was present in the house. However, she told police she was unwell with a fever and did not witness the shooting. Investigators suspect she may have had some knowledge of the plan, though she has refused to give a formal statement.

Deepak Yadav was presented before a local court on Friday and has been placed in one-day police custody for further interrogation. Officers say they are working to verify several parts of his confession and determine whether others were involved or aware of his intentions.

Radhika’s life, cut short in an act of violence, was one of promise and determination. She had reached a career-high doubles ranking of 113 in the ITF in November 2024 and was ranked fifth in Haryana’s women’s doubles category. After recovering from a shoulder injury, she had recently opened a tennis academy that quickly gained popularity, especially among young girls aspiring to play the sport.

She was a graduate of Scottish High International School and had been passionate about tennis from a young age. Her dedication to the sport was evident not just in her game, but in her commitment to training others.

Family members remain in disbelief. “We don’t understand why Deepak would do this,” said one of her uncles. “There was no pressure, no need. The family was doing well in the real estate business.”

Another relative added, “He used to travel with Radhika all over the country for her tournaments. He had invested time, money, and energy into her career.”

In his confession, Deepak reportedly said he had been battling depression for over two weeks, haunted by village taunts and feeling like his pride had been shattered. The first information report notes that he broke down in custody and admitted to committing a “paap” (sin) he could never undo.

The police are continuing their investigation, including whether emotional instability or deeper social pressures contributed to the crime. As the case unfolds, Radhika’s story has become a tragic reminder of the many unseen struggles that sometimes exist behind closed doors—even in families that appear successful on the surface.

Her murder not only robs Indian sports of a rising star, but it also exposes the enduring weight of societal expectations, generational conflicts, and the fragile line between pride and control.

Radhika Yadav’s funeral will be held in Gurugram. Her legacy, however, as an athlete and a bold young woman who stood her ground, may continue to inspire many—long after the court has given its verdict.