In a horrifying incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her own father on Thursday morning in Gurugram’s Sector-57. The tragic murder is reportedly the result of a family dispute surrounding her earnings and the operation of a private tennis academy.

The case has brought focus not just on domestic violence, but also on the mental pressure and social stigma that successful women continue to face, even from within their own families.

What Happened?

According to police officials, the incident took place at approximately 11:30 AM on Thursday at the family’s residence in Sushant Lok Phase-2, Sector-57, Gurugram.

Radhika’s father, Deepak Yadav, allegedly opened fire on her with his licensed revolver, shooting three bullets into her back. The victim’s uncle, Kuldeep, and cousin immediately rushed her to a private hospital, but she was declared dead during treatment.

Who Was Radhika Yadav?

Radhika Yadav was a prominent state-level tennis player, known for her performance in various regional and national-level tournaments. Though she had to quit professional tennis a few months ago due to a shoulder injury, she remained dedicated to the sport.

Determined to give back to society and promote tennis among underprivileged children, Radhika launched her own tennis academy in Wazirabad village, where she coached young aspirants.

Her passion for sports and commitment to empowering the next generation of players had earned her respect in the local community — but not within her own household.

The Family Dispute: A Clash Over Control and Ego

Sources close to the investigation revealed that Radhika’s father was deeply uncomfortable with her independence and financial success. Reports indicate that villagers often mocked him, claiming he was “living off his daughter’s earnings,” which allegedly hurt his ego.

This ongoing emotional tension and social humiliation reportedly escalated into verbal arguments at home. According to police, the father and daughter had been arguing for over two weeks about the tennis academy and her financial decisions.

On the morning of the murder, yet another heated argument turned fatal when Deepak allegedly lost control and used his licensed weapon against his own daughter.

Police Investigation and Arrest

A police team from Sector-56 Police Station, along with forensic teams and fingerprint experts, rushed to the crime scene shortly after receiving information from the hospital.

Deepak Yadav has been arrested and has reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation. His licensed revolver has also been seized.

 Gurugram Police Spokesperson Sandeep Kumar said:

“We received information from the private hospital about a woman being shot. Our team reached the spot immediately. The accused father has been taken into custody and the weapon used in the crime has been recovered.”

The body has been sent for post-mortem, and evidence has been collected from the home where the shooting occurred. Police say further legal action will be based on forensic findings and witness statements.

Radhika’s Tennis Journey: From Athlete to Mentor

Radhika wasn’t just a player; she was a mentor and a dreamer. Having won several medals at the state and zonal levels, she was working to create a grassroots ecosystem for tennis training in Haryana.

Despite an early retirement due to injury, she refused to give up on sports. Her tennis academy was beginning to gain traction, attracting children from nearby localities.

Her story is a reflection of the challenges faced by many women athletes in India — success outside the home, but often little acceptance within it.

Domestic Violence and Patriarchy in Focus

The murder has reignited public discourse around domestic violence, male ego, and patriarchal control, particularly in Indian households where a daughter’s independence is viewed as a threat to male authority.

While Radhika pursued her passion with dignity and self-reliance, her success became a point of tension, especially when traditional gender roles were challenged.

Social activists are now demanding stricter policies to protect women from abuse within their own families — not just from strangers.

Key Details from the Case:

• Victim: Radhika Yadav, ~25 years old, state-level tennis player

• Location: Sector-57, Sushant Lok-2, Gurugram

• Time of incident: Around 11:30 AM, July 10, 2025

• Accused: Deepak Yadav (father), now in police custody

• Weapon used: Licensed revolver

• Motive: Alleged family dispute over her earnings and tennis academy

• Result: Victim succumbed to gunshot wounds at private hospital

Public Reaction and Outrage

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across social media and news channels. Hashtags like #JusticeForRadhika, #StopDomesticViolence, and #SupportWomenAthletes are trending.

Public figures, athletes, and influencers have expressed grief and anger, calling Radhika’s death “a tragic loss not just for her family, but for the nation’s sports community.”

Women’s rights organizations have also demanded a fast-track court trial, harsher penalties for licensed gun misuse, and state-sponsored support for young female athletes.

What This Incident Teaches Us

The Radhika Yadav murder case is not just a family tragedy — it’s a mirror to the society we live in. A society where women are encouraged to succeed but are punished when their success challenges social norms.

This horrific incident sheds light on:

• The emotional pressure faced by successful women

• The societal stigma around daughters being breadwinners

• The need for family counseling and awareness on gender equality

• Misuse of licensed weapons in domestic settings

Radhika Yadav’s death is a devastating reminder that empowerment is meaningless without acceptance. Her journey from a medal-winning athlete to a self-made coach was admirable — but sadly, her own home became the battleground where her dreams were destroyed.

As the investigation continues, the nation mourns the loss of a rising star, and questions must be asked: How many more Radhikas must fall before families, and society at large, change?

Stay with KKNLive.com for exclusive updates on the Radhika Yadav murder case, as well as news on women’s rights, law enforcement, and sports justice in India.