Gurugram Tennis Player Radhika Yadav was Tragically Shot by her Father Over an Instagram Reel Dispute

Young Tennis Prodigy Radhika Yadav Fatally Shot by Her Father in Gurugram Home

On the morning of July 10, 2025, Radhika Yadav, a promising 25-year-old state-level tennis player, was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their Sushant Lok Phase 2 residence in Gurugram, Haryana. The tragic event occurred around 10:30 a.m. while Radhika was in the kitchen. According to the Gurugram police, the accused fired three bullets at close range using his licensed revolver.

Family members immediately rushed Radhika to a nearby private hospital. However, despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

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Father’s Confession Reveals Instagram Reel Dispute as the Trigger Behind the Deadly Attack

In a chilling confession to authorities, Deepak Yadav admitted that he shot his daughter following an intense argument over an Instagram reel she had posted. Sources within the police department revealed that Deepak found the reel “inappropriate” and felt it brought shame to their family reputation, especially within their home village.

He also allegedly opposed Radhika’s independent career as a tennis coach, claiming social pressure and ridicule had become unbearable. Deepak’s .32‑bore revolver, which was used in the crime, has since been seized by law enforcement as evidence.

Promising Career Cut Short: Radhika Yadav’s Achievements in National and International Tennis

Born on March 23, 2000, Radhika Yadav had made a name for herself on the Indian tennis circuit. She held a career-high International Tennis Federation (ITF) doubles ranking of 113 and was among the top 200 globally in women’s doubles. According to tenniskhelo.com, she had represented Haryana in national-level tournaments and was ranked 5th in the state in women’s doubles.

In recent years, Radhika had established her own tennis coaching academy in Gurugram, mentoring aspiring players while preparing for international tournaments. Her future in sports looked bright and promising, making the circumstances of her death even more devastating.

Legal Action Underway as Gurugram Police Investigate Honour-Based Motive in Radhika Yadav’s Murder

Following the shooting, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Sector 56 police station. The case was filed based on a formal complaint by Radhika’s uncle. Initial investigations point toward a combination of patriarchal dominance, familial tension, and societal shame as the driving forces behind the crime.

“The father became agitated after a disagreement over her social media post. He used a licensed revolver, which has now been recovered from the scene,” said Sandeep Kumar, PRO of the Gurugram Police. Police are collecting forensic evidence and reviewing surveillance footage, along with statements from neighbours and relatives.

A National Outcry as Radhika’s Murder Sparks Debate on Honour-Based Violence and Women’s Rights

The case of Radhika Yadav shot by father has sparked nationwide outrage and reignited debates around honour-based violence, freedom of expression, and women’s safety within their own homes. Social media users, activists, and public figures have condemned the act, urging for stronger safeguards against domestic violence, particularly for women with public careers.

Experts have described this case as an extreme example of toxic masculinity, where a father felt entitled to control his adult daughter’s choices, lifestyle, and career under the guise of maintaining family honour.

Remembering Radhika Yadav: A Rising Star Whose Life and Legacy Were Cruelly Taken Too Soon

Friends, students, and fellow athletes are mourning the loss of Radhika Yadav, remembering her not only as a tennis champion but also as a mentor and inspiration for young girls in sports. Her students at the academy described her as passionate, hardworking, and committed to creating a space for aspiring female athletes.

While legal proceedings move forward, her tragic death underscores the urgent need to address deeply rooted societal attitudes that treat a woman’s independence as a threat to family dignity.

Key Facts in the Radhika Yadav Shooting Case

• Date of Incident: July 10, 2025
• Location: Sushant Lok Phase 2, Gurugram
• Victim: Radhika Yadav, 25, state-level tennis player
• Accused: Deepak Yadav, father, arrested and confessed
• Weapon: Licensed .32‑bore revolver (recovered by police)
• Cause of Dispute: Instagram reel and career independence
• Legal Status: FIR registered, ongoing police investigation
• Public Response: Nationwide outrage, calls for justice

Justice for Radhika Yadav Must Reflect India’s Commitment to Protecting Women in Sport and Society

The tragic case of Radhika Yadav shot by father is more than a family tragedy—it reflects systemic failures in confronting gender inequality, digital freedom, and domestic violence. As India grieves the loss of yet another talented young woman, it’s vital for legal systems and communities to unite in preventing such crimes in the future.

Radhika’s story should be a wake-up call—not just for authorities, but for every family that needs to learn that respect must never be enforced through violence.