On July 10, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded in Gurugram, Haryana, when 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, in their family home in the upscale Sushant Lok area. The tragic event has sent ripples through the sports community and beyond, leaving investigators, family members, and the public grappling with unanswered questions about the motives behind this heinous act. Deepak Yadav, a 49-year-old property owner, confessed to the crime, but the reasons he provided have sparked multiple theories, with conflicting narratives emerging from police investigations, family statements, and media reports. This article delves into the details of the case, exploring the various theories surrounding why a father would kill his own daughter.
The Incident: A Planned Murder
According to police reports, Deepak Yadav shot his daughter Radhika four times with a licensed .32 bore revolver while she was preparing breakfast in the kitchen of their three-storey home in Sector 57, Gurugram, around 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The post-mortem report revealed that one bullet struck her shoulder, and three hit her chest, contradicting initial claims in the FIR that three bullets were fired into her back. This discrepancy has added to the mystery, raising questions about the sequence of events and the father’s state of mind during the act.
Deepak was arrested shortly after the incident, and the murder weapon was recovered from the house. Police investigations have confirmed that the murder was premeditated. Sandeep Kumar, the public relations officer of Gurugram police, stated that Deepak admitted to planning the murder, sending his son, Piyush Yadav, out to buy groceries to ensure he was alone with Radhika. This calculated move suggests that the act was not impulsive but a deliberate decision, deepening the intrigue surrounding Deepak’s motives.
Societal Taunts and Financial Disputes
The primary motive cited by Deepak in his confession revolves around societal pressure and taunts from villagers and relatives. Deepak, who owns multiple properties in Gurugram and earns approximately Rs 15 lakh in rental income, claimed he was mocked for “living off” his daughter’s income from her tennis academy. Radhika, a former tennis player who reached a career-best ITF women’s doubles ranking of 113 on November 4, 2024, had transitioned to running a tennis academy after a shoulder injury ended her competitive career. Deepak had reportedly invested Rs 2 crore to support her tennis career and the establishment of the academy, a fact that became a point of contention.
According to police sources, Deepak visited his native village of Wazirabad, Gurugram, days before the murder, where villagers taunted him, calling him a “gira hua baap” (fallen father) for relying on his daughter’s earnings. These taunts reportedly humiliated Deepak, who was described as a conservative man with a volatile temper. Upon returning home, he confronted Radhika, demanding that she shut down the academy. Radhika’s refusal, citing the significant investment her father had made, allegedly fueled his rage, culminating in the fatal shooting.
However, this theory has been met with skepticism. Deepak’s friend and family members have disputed the idea that taunts alone could drive him to such an extreme act, given his substantial wealth and history of supporting Radhika’s career. The police have noted that no other motive has surfaced definitively, but they are continuing to investigate to corroborate Deepak’s claims.
Disapproval of Radhika’s Social Media Presence
Another theory gaining traction involves Radhika’s aspirations to become a social media influencer, inspired by figures like Elvish Yadav, a controversial influencer from their native village. Radhika had appeared in a romantic music video in 2024 alongside singer Inaam Ul Haq, a decision that reportedly caused tension within the family. Some reports suggest that Deepak was furious about her social media activities, particularly her Instagram reels, which he perceived as damaging to the family’s reputation.
Villagers allegedly criticized Deepak for failing to “control” his daughter, who “did whatever she wanted.” These remarks, combined with Radhika’s public persona, may have exacerbated his insecurities. However, this theory is complicated by conflicting accounts. Deepak reportedly supported Radhika’s participation in the music video, accompanying her to the set and spending 11 hours there. He even expressed approval of the song, according to some reports. The police have downplayed the social media angle, stating that the primary conflict centered on the tennis academy, but they are still exploring whether Radhika’s online presence played a role in the escalating tensions.
Romantic Disputes and Honor Concerns
A third theory, raised by a neighbor in Wazirabad, suggests that Deepak’s actions may have been motivated by a disagreement over Radhika’s choice of romantic partner. The neighbor claimed that Radhika wanted to marry someone outside her caste, a decision Deepak, described as “old school and conservative,” opposed, insisting on a same-caste marriage. This alleged dispute over her romantic life could have contributed to the father-daughter conflict, with societal expectations of honor and tradition playing a significant role.
This theory remains speculative, as police have not confirmed any evidence linking Radhika’s romantic relationships to the murder. However, the cultural context of caste and family honor in India lends credence to the possibility that such a disagreement could have been a factor, especially given Deepak’s reported conservative mindset.
Mental Health and Suicidal Ideation
A surprising twist emerged when police sources revealed that Deepak had contemplated suicide before killing his daughter. This revelation suggests that his mental state may have been a critical factor in the murder. The taunts from villagers, combined with his frustration over Radhika’s independence and the family’s dynamics, may have pushed him to a breaking point. Reports indicate that Deepak was known to lose his temper over minor issues and was suspicious of both his wife and daughter, hinting at underlying psychological issues.
Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, was present in the house during the incident but initially mistook the gunshots for a pressure cooker blast. Her mysterious silence and lack of clarity about the events have raised additional questions. The police are investigating her
