‘She Didn’t Listen to Me Anymore’: Father of Tennis Star Radhika Yadav Reveals Shocking Motive Behind Murder

Fresh details emerge in the shocking Gurugram murder of tennis coach Radhika Yadav, as her father confesses to shooting her out of rage, hurt pride, and escalating family tension.

Gurugram, Haryana – July 11,2025: New revelations have surfaced in the chilling murder case of Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old state-level tennis player and coach, who was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, inside their home in Sushant Lok, Sector 57 of Gurugram. As the investigation progresses, police sources and the accused’s confession are shedding disturbing light on the motive behind this tragic act.According to a detailed Livemint report, Deepak told police, “She had stopped listening to me… she would argue back. She had started living on her own terms.”This statement, while heart-wrenching, also hints at a deeper resentment toward his daughter’s independence, financial success, and growing self-determination.

The Crime Scene: Five Shots Fired, Three Fatal Hits

The incident occurred around 10:30 AM on July 9, when Radhika was in the kitchen preparing lunch. Deepak Yadav, using his licensed revolver, fired five rounds, of which three struck Radhika in the back, resulting in her instant death.Soon after, Deepak calmly called a family member, confessed to the crime, and later surrendered to the police with the murder weapon. Investigators have recovered both the revolver and spent cartridges.

From Pride to Jealousy: How Tensions Escalated

Once proud of his daughter’s achievements, Deepak’s attitude shifted as Radhika gained more public attention both as an athlete and as a successful coach running her own tennis academy. According to his confession, Deepak claimed villagers would mock him, saying:“You live on your daughter’s money.”This societal pressure, coupled with internalised notions of male authority and control, reportedly pushed him into a spiral of insecurity, shame, and ultimately violence.

Radhika’s Career and Rise

Radhika Yadav had been a state-ranked tennis player with an ITF doubles ranking of 113. Although a shoulder injury ended her competitive career, she quickly pivoted to coaching and launched her own tennis academy, inspiring young players in Haryana. She was seen as a rising role model for girls in sport, especially in conservative regions.Her recent appearance in a music video titled “Karwaan”, which was released online, allegedly further triggered her father, though police clarified that it was not the primary reason behind the crime. The central motive remains long-standing resentment toward her autonomy and public visibility.

‘She Didn’t Obey Me’: Deepak’s Full Statement to Police

In his chilling confession, Deepak reportedly said:

“I told her many times to shut down the academy and get married. She refused. She said she wanted to live her life, her way.”

He went on to claim that Radhika’s boldness in expressing herself publicly from coaching boys at her academy to posting Instagram reels “defied family values.”

Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction

The police have arrested Deepak Yadav and registered a case of murder under Section 302 of the IPC. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams collecting evidence from the home and academy. Radhika’s mother, who was in another room at the time, is reportedly in shock and not in a state to give a statement.Radhika’s friends, students, and colleagues gathered outside the academy to mourn her loss. Many held up posters that read:

“Let daughters live free. Let them dream.”

The Bigger Picture: When Patriarchy Turns Deadly

This case has once again raised critical concerns about gender-based control, honor-driven violence, and the price of female independence in patriarchal households. Even as India moves forward in promoting women’s empowerment, Radhika’s story is a grim reminder of how freedom can be seen as rebellion within one’s own home.Activists and mental health professionals have urged that societal mindset shifts and family counseling are just as important as laws when it comes to preventing such tragedies.