The tragic murder of Radhika Yadav, a national-level tennis player, allegedly by her father Deepak Yadav, has sent shockwaves across the country and raised disturbing questions about societal pressure, mental health, and family dynamics.
What Police Investigations Have Revealed:
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Radhika, 25, was shot dead by her father at their home in Gurugram, Haryana, on Thursday.
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Her father, Deepak Yadav, has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
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During interrogation, Deepak told police he was mentally disturbed due to taunts from villagers, who ridiculed him for depending financially on his daughter.
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He claimed he hadn’t slept properly in 15 days, had become socially withdrawn, and was restless and silent around family members.
Background and Family Dynamics:
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Deepak had reportedly spent over ₹2.5 crore on Radhika’s tennis training since her early childhood.
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Two years ago, Radhika suffered an injury that halted her competitive career.
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To stay connected with the sport, she began coaching aspiring players by renting tennis courts in different locations.
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She also pursued an online presence, hoping to build a career as a social media influencer. A music video featuring her was released a year ago, and she often posted Instagram reels.
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Deepak disapproved of her digital persona, reportedly pressuring her to delete her social media accounts, which she eventually did.
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He also urged her to shut down her tennis coaching sessions, insisting his income (₹15 lakh/year as a property broker) was sufficient.
Radhika’s Response:
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Despite the pressure, Radhika remained hopeful and ambitious.
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She is reported to have told her father:“You have spent ₹2.5 crore on me. I will not let that money go to waste. I will train young players using my talent and experience in tennis.”
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She also tried to counsel her father, encouraging him to ignore the villagers' comments and trust her vision.
What This Reflects:
This heartbreaking case highlights several underlying issues:
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Societal stigma around women financially supporting families, especially in rural and semi-urban India.
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The mental health toll of persistent social pressure and isolation.
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Generational and ideological clashes — between a daughter trying to reinvent herself after a setback, and a father trapped in societal expectations of pride and honor.
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The dangers of untreated psychological distress and how it can spiral into irreversible tragedy.
The final legal proceedings will determine accountability, but the emotional and cultural weight of this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the need for mental health awareness, societal sensitivity, and support for women in sports and public life.
