A national tennis player's life tragically cut short by her own father, fueled by perceived societal taunts and a clash over her aspirations.
The community of Gurugram is reeling from a shocking incident as national-level tennis player Radhika Yadav, 25, was allegedly shot and killed by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their Sector 57 residence on Thursday morning. The same day marked her mother, Manju Yadav's, birthday, adding another layer of sorrow to the tragedy.
The Confession and Alleged Motive
According to police, Deepak Yadav has confessed to the murder. His alleged motive stems from deep-seated anger and perceived public humiliation. He claimed to be troubled by villagers' taunts suggesting he was "living off his daughter's income" and even questioning her character. He stated he had repeatedly asked Radhika to shut down her tennis academy, but she refused.
A Fatal Birthday Morning
The incident unfolded around 10:30 am on the first floor of their home. Radhika was in the kitchen, reportedly preparing a special meal for her mother's birthday, when her father allegedly fired three shots from his licensed .32 bore revolver, critically injuring her. Radhika was rushed to Asia Maringo Hospital by her uncle and cousin but was declared dead on arrival.
Radhika's Promising Path
Radhika, a talented national-level tennis player, had won numerous trophies. She achieved a career-best ranking of 75 in Girls Under-18, 53 in Women’s Doubles, and 35 in Women’s Singles. Following a shoulder injury, she transitioned to coaching, establishing a tennis academy for children. Her father, who reportedly invested significantly in her tennis career, claimed the "insult" and pressure became unbearable.
On the day of her murder, Radhika Yadav was in the kitchen preparing a special birthday meal for her mother.
Who is Deepak Yadav?
Deepak Yadav lived with his wife and daughter on the first floor of their two-story residence. He reportedly owns multiple properties in the city, earning a substantial monthly income from rentals. An acquaintance noted that Deepak had even given up his studies to support Radhika's tennis training, purchasing expensive equipment for her. He also possessed a licensed .32 bore revolver, the weapon allegedly used in the crime, indicating a level of influence to obtain such a license.
Unanswered Questions and the Ongoing Investigation
At the time of the shooting, only Radhika, her mother, and father were present on the first floor. Her mother, who was unwell and resting, reportedly heard the gunshots but was unaware of the full horror unfolding. Radhika's uncle, Kuldeep Yadav, and cousin, who lived on the ground floor, rushed upstairs upon hearing the shots, discovering Radhika in the kitchen. Police have seized the revolver, along with other evidence, and a case has been registered. Deepak Yadav has been sent to one-day police custody for further investigation, including the recovery of ammunition.
While Deepak Yadav's confession points to his purported reasons, the incident raises difficult questions about family dynamics, societal pressures, and the tragic consequences that can arise when these elements collide. With reports of potential tensions regarding Radhika's social media presence and ongoing police investigation into deleted accounts, what other layers of this complex family tragedy might yet be uncovered?
(Rh/Dr. Divina Johncy Rosario/MSM/SE)