Three days after 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav was tragically shot dead in her Gurugram home, her best friend and fellow athlete Himaanshika Singh Rajput has accused Radhika&rsquo;s father of subjecting her to years of emotional abuse and controlling behaviour, ultimately culminating in her murder.
In a pair of emotional Instagram videos, Himaanshika described Radhika as a dedicated sportsperson who battled domestic restrictions throughout her life. She claimed Radhika&rsquo;s parents were deeply controlling, shaming her for wearing shorts, speaking to boys, and asserting her independence. Despite excelling in her tennis career and launching her own academy, Radhika allegedly faced constant scrutiny at home.
Even during video calls, Radhika reportedly had to prove who she was talking to by turning the camera toward her friend. She wasn&rsquo;t allowed to be out late, even if the academy was just meters away from home.
Himaanshika dismissed circulating rumours about communal motives in the case, stating that Radhika was largely isolated and had minimal social interactions.
Radhika was shot on July 9 at her residence in Sector 57, Gurugram. Her father, Deepak Yadav, allegedly fired five bullets&mdash;three struck her back and one her shoulder. She was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead shortly after. Her funeral was held in her native village, Wazirabad.
Deepak Yadav is now in judicial custody. He reportedly broke down during interrogation and expressed a wish to be punished for the crime. Police have ruled out the involvement of Radhika&rsquo;s mother, stating the father acted alone.
This tragic case highlights the dangers of unchecked familial control and emotional abuse, even in accomplished lives.

Years of Abuse Ended in Radhika Yadav’s Murder

A friend alleges years of control and emotional abuse led to the shocking murder of tennis star Radhika Yadav

Years of Abuse Ended in Radhika Yadav’s Murder

A friend alleges years of control and emotional abuse led to the shocking murder of tennis star Radhika Yadav

July 13, 2025 | 18:07 IST