The shocking murder of 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav by her father has taken a disturbing turn as investigators uncover the complex web of family dynamics that led to Thursday's tragic shooting.
Contrary to initial reports suggesting Radhika operated a formal tennis academy, Gurugram Police revealed on Saturday that the young athlete had no fixed facility. Instead, she trained aspiring players by booking courts at various locations across the city, a practice that became the focal point of escalating tensions with her father, Deepak Yadav.
"Radhika did not have her academy. She used to train new aspirants by booking tennis courts at different places," explained an investigating officer. "Deepak had asked her several times to stop the training sessions, but she refused. That was the main tussle between the father and daughter."
The 49-year-old accused, who runs a profitable rental property business, was reportedly tormented by village taunts suggesting he was financially dependent on his daughter's earnings. Neighbours allegedly called him "gira hua baap" (a fallen father), deeply wounding his pride despite his substantial independent income.
During police interrogation, Deepak Yadav confessed to planning the murder methodically. He sent his son out to buy milk before executing his plan, firing four bullets into Radhika while she prepared breakfast. The post-mortem revealed that three bullets struck her back, and one hit her shoulder.
The case has also raised questions about the role of Radhika's mother, Manju Yadav, who was present in the house during the shooting. While she claims she was bedridden with fever and saw nothing, investigators are exploring whether she had any knowledge of her husband's deadly intentions.
"It appears she may have had some knowledge," said Sandeep Kumar, Gurugram Police PRO, though no charges have been filed against her yet.
Several online rumours suggested Radhika's appearance in a 2023 music video with artist Inam-ul-Haq contributed to her father's anger. However, police investigations have found no connection between the video and the murder.
Inspector Vinod Kumar of Sector 56 police station stated firmly: "The video was uploaded in 2023, it has no connection with the murder. The accused has repeatedly said that he did not want his daughter to earn through training."
Inam-ul-Haq himself came forward to deny any ongoing relationship with Radhika, clarifying they only met during the Tennis Premier League in Delhi and later for the music video shoot.
Friends and fellow players remember Radhika as a dedicated athlete who had represented her state in tennis competitions. Her passion for coaching young players was evident to those who knew her, making her father's opposition all the more tragic.
The accused was remanded to one day's police custody and will appear in court again on Saturday. During searches, police recovered five bullets and one live cartridge from the family's Sector 57 residence.
As this case continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of how traditional expectations and family honour can tragically collide with modern aspirations, leaving a promising young life extinguished and a family destroyed.
