25-Year-Old Tennis Player Radhika Yadav Shot Dead by Her Father in Gurgaon; Motive Revealed

Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old tennis player, was tragically shot and killed by her father, Deepak Yadav, in a deeply personal act fueled by jealousy and control. Authorities investigate the motive behind the tragic incident.

In a shocking and deeply tragic incident, 25-year-old tennis player and private coach, Radhika Yadav, was shot and killed by her father, 54-year-old Deepak Yadav, at their home in Gurgaon, India, on July 10, 2025. The violent act has left the community in shock, with investigators uncovering a motive rooted in jealousy and control.

The Fatal Shooting

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. when Deepak Yadav, reportedly frustrated by his daughter’s success and her financial independence, opened fire on her with his legally owned revolver. Witnesses heard five gunshots in the quiet residential area of Sushant Lok–II, and Radhika was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. At the time, her mother was in another room, bedridden with a fever.

 

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An hour after the shooting, a private hospital contacted police, reporting that a young woman had died from gunshot wounds. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Deepak’s younger brother, Kuldeep Yadav, but both of Radhika’s parents were initially missing. After heading to the family home, police discovered Deepak, who confessed to the crime and explained that his daughter had been “an international-level tennis player.” He was arrested on the spot.

Radhika Yadav playing tennis, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav playing tennis, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika

Deepak’s Motive Revealed

According to Inspector Vinod Kumar, the motive behind the killing stemmed from Deepak’s resentment towards his daughter’s success. “He had been upset for a while as he was being taunted by locals over his daughter’s income,” said Kumar. Deepak reportedly faced ridicule for his reliance on Radhika’s earnings, with people frequently mocking him for “living off his daughter’s money.”

Radhika Yadav and her best friend taking selfies and recording videos in front of a mirror, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav and her best friend taking selfies and recording videos in front of a mirror, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika

Deepak allegedly pressured Radhika to quit her coaching job, but she refused. “He could not take it anymore,” said Kumar. Deepak’s income came primarily from rent on several small properties he owned, but the added pressure and humiliation from local criticism seemed to have fueled his violent act.

Radhika’s Life and Career

Radhika Yadav playing tennis, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav playing tennis, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika

Radhika Yadav was an accomplished tennis player who had dedicated her life to the sport. A graduate of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), she achieved a career-high ranking of 75th in the Girls Under-18 category and 53rd in Women’s Doubles. She was also active on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit, holding a global ranking of 113th.

Radhika Yadav and her best friend taking selfies and recording videos in front of a mirror, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav and her best friend taking selfies and recording videos in front of a mirror, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika

Despite the challenges she faced at home, Radhika was focused on building her career and had even founded her own tennis academy. Radhika’s close friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, expressed her outrage and grief on Instagram, describing how Radhika had been made to feel miserable by her father’s constant criticism and controlling behavior. Himaanshika claimed that Radhika had been mocked for her autonomy and success, facing resentment from those around her, including her father.

In a powerful post, Himaanshika described the deep pain of attending Radhika’s cremation, saying, “This wasn’t a moment of madness. It was premeditated. Her father had been planning to kill her for days.”

The Aftermath

Radhika Yadav lifting weights, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav lifting weights, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika

The tragic loss of Radhika has shaken the local community. Friends, tennis peers, and residents who knew Radhika have expressed their shock, remembering her as a vibrant, sweet, and compassionate individual. Pawan Yadav, a family friend and president of the local Residents’ Welfare Association, confirmed that Radhika had been targeted by “small-minded” individuals who resented her success. In some cases, she had been harassed on social media, leading her parents to force her to delete her accounts.

Radhika’s best friend described her as “guarded but deeply kind, funny, and beautiful,” urging followers to remember the impact she had and the senselessness of her death. Radhika’s memory lives on in the tennis community, and her untimely passing serves as a reminder of the destructive power of jealousy and control.

Radhika Yadav taking a selfie video, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav taking a selfie video, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Deepak Yadav has been arrested and charged with murder. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Sector 56 police station, and he was presented in court on July 12, 2025, with his face covered as he was escorted by police officers. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Radhika Yadav eating a cake, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav eating a cake, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav showing off a cake, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika
Radhika Yadav showing off a cake, from a clip posted by her best friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, on July 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/himaanshika

Radhika’s older brother, Dheeraj Yadav, who works in real estate, was reportedly devastated by the loss and is reportedly living elsewhere in the city.

A Life Cut Short

Radhika Yadav’s promising future in tennis and her contributions to the sport were tragically cut short by a senseless act of violence. While authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to her death, the community mourns the loss of a talented and compassionate young woman whose life was tragically stolen by the very person who should have supported her the most—her father.

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