The family of Radhika Yadav, the 25-year-old tennis player allegedly murdered by her father in their Gurugram home, is refuting claims made by a close friend that Radhika faced significant restrictions. According to family members, Radhika was free to travel the world for her tennis career, contradicting allegations of a controlling environment.
Himaanshika Singh Rajput, who identified herself as Radhika's best friend, posted an emotional video on Instagram, alleging that Radhika's father, Deepak Yadav, subjected her to years of emotional abuse, control, and surveillance. Rajput claimed that Radhika's family disapproved of her independence, criticizing her clothing, friendships, and lifestyle choices. She also stated that Radhika felt trapped and had expressed a desire to live independently in Dubai or Australia. Rajput further claimed Radhika's family was influenced by societal pressures and negative comments from acquaintances who were jealous of her success.
However, Radhika's cousins have dismissed these claims as baseless. They stated that Radhika had the freedom to pursue her career and that her father had invested a significant amount of money in her tennis training, enabling her to travel extensively for tournaments. One cousin stated that Radhika wouldn't have been able to leave home or train children if she had been restricted. Another cousin emphasized that Radhika had traveled to numerous countries to play tennis, which would not have been possible with family restrictions. They also refuted the notion that Radhika was prevented from living life on her own terms, asserting that such claims are false.
The police investigation indicates that the primary motive for the murder was Deepak Yadav's disapproval of Radhika's income from coaching tennis. Deepak reportedly confessed to the crime, stating that he was often taunted for living off his daughter's earnings and that he disapproved of her running a tennis academy. Police have dismissed initial speculation linking Radhika's social media activity and a 2023 music video appearance to the murder. They clarified that Radhika did not run a formal academy but trained aspiring players by booking tennis courts across the city.
Radhika's mother, Manju Yadav, was present in the house during the incident but has not provided a statement to the police, claiming she was ill and in her room. Police are investigating whether she had any knowledge of her husband's plan.
Deepak Yadav has been remanded to judicial custody. According to his brother, Deepak expressed remorse after the murder, stating that he should be punished. Police have recovered the licensed revolver used in the murder, along with four spent cartridges. They consider the case "open and shut" and are preparing to file a charge sheet based on forensic and testimonial evidence.
