Radhika Yadav, a tennis star, was shot dead by her father in Gurugram. Postmortem reveals 4 chest wounds. Was it taunts or something deeper?
Introduction: A Shocking Incident from Gurugram, Haryana
In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the entire nation, a father shot his own daughter — a 25-year-old tennis player — after being consumed by rage triggered by societal taunts. The tragedy unfolded in Gurugram, Haryana, where Deepak Yadav, once a proud father, ended up becoming his daughter Radhika Yadav’s killer.
A Promising Athlete and a Proud Father
Radhika Yadav was a rising star in Indian tennis. She had played at both the state and national levels, winning numerous trophies and accolades. Her father, Deepak Yadav, supported her journey wholeheartedly. He celebrated her victories, proudly displayed her trophies on their home walls, and even accompanied her to practice sessions. People close to them often admired the strong bond they shared.
The Unthinkable Crime: Daughter Shot Dead in the Kitchen
On the day of the tragedy, Radhika was in the kitchen when Deepak walked in and shot her. Initially, reports stated that she was shot three times in the back. However, after the post-mortem report, it was revealed that Deepak had fired not three but four bullets, and he shot her in the chest, not the back.
Her mother, who was in the adjacent room, rushed out after hearing the gunshots and found her daughter lying in a pool of blood. Radhika’s uncle was also alerted and immediately called the police.
When the police arrived, Deepak was still at home, and the licensed pistol used in the murder was recovered from the scene. He was arrested on the spot.
Was Deepak Hiding the Truth?
Conflicting Statements and New Suspicions
According to the post-mortem findings and forensic evidence, Deepak’s earlier statement to the police appears to be false. Authorities now suspect that the motive may not be limited to just societal taunts.
Deepak had reportedly spent around ₹2.5 crore to establish Radhika’s tennis academy, which points to a high financial status. This fact has raised doubts about whether taunts alone led to the murder, or if personal control, pride, and deeper resentment were also involved.
Was Social Media a Trigger?
Sources indicate that Radhika had deactivated her Instagram account two to three times in recent months. She was known for regularly posting reels and staying active online — a behavior that allegedly irritated her father.
Furthermore, it has now come to light that Radhika was aspiring to work in films.
She had shown interest in entering the movie industry, which might have been another point of conflict with her father. Police are investigating
whether Deepak’s disapproval of her film ambitions might have contributed to his violent outburst.
Police Continue Their Investigation
Police are exploring multiple angles, including:
The psychological pressure from society
Financial investment in the academy
Control over Radhika’s life decisions
Her interest in cinema and social media activity
They are also verifying if there were any prior threats, arguments, or behavioral red flags that family or neighbors ignored.
Public Reactions: Grief and Outrage
The nation has responded with shock and anger. Neighbors and relatives are in disbelief, struggling to understand how Deepak — once a supportive father — could commit such a horrifying act.
Neeraj Chopra Speaks Out
Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra also weighed in on the tragedy. He told the media:
“Every father should support his daughters. Radhika Yadav had the potential to shine in tennis and bring pride to the nation.”
His words reflect the feelings of millions who saw Radhika as a symbol of India’s rising women athletes.
A Daughter Who Could Have Inspired Millions
Radhika was not just a daughter; she was an inspiration. A tennis player who had the potential to bring global fame to India, a role model for millions of young girls who dream of breaking boundaries. But instead of becoming a national hero, she became a tragic victim — all because her father couldn’t cope with public ridicule and personal insecurity.
A Stark Contrast: Two Fathers, Two Stories
This incident brings back memories of Dangal, the inspiring real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who turned his daughters into wrestling champions despite facing constant taunts from society. He chose to ignore the noise and focus on empowering his daughters. His story became a source of national pride.
In contrast, Deepak Yadav let the same kind of taunts destroy him — and his daughter. Where one father rose above criticism, another succumbed to it, causing irreparable damage.
Conclusion: A Society’s Silent Guilt
This incident is more than just a case of domestic violence — it’s a reflection of societal pressure, toxic masculinity, and mental health neglect. Perhaps if Deepak had been able to share his frustration, seek help, or even be counseled, this tragedy could have been avoided.
A young woman full of dreams is no more. And the nation has lost not only a potential sports star but a symbol of progress. Let this be a wake-up call — so that no other father ever takes the life of his daughter, and no daughter ever loses her life to her own family’s ego.