Radhika Yadav trained aspirants at rented courts, didn't own academy, say Gurugram police
PTC Web Desk: Radhika Yadav, a former state-level tennis player, was fatally shot by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their Sector 57 residence in Gurugram on July 10. The police have revealed that the murder was rooted in an ongoing dispute between father and daughter over her tennis training business, which Deepak had repeatedly asked her to shut down. According to the Gurugram police, Radhika did not own a tennis academy, as was earlier speculated, but instead provided coaching at rented tennis courts across various locations.
Deepak Yadav, 49, was reportedly unhappy with her decision to continue training budding players despite his objections. The father, who owned several properties and earned a significant income from rentals, had asked Radhika multiple times to stop the training sessions. The escalating tension over this issue became the central conflict between the two.
In a breakthrough statement by a police officer, it was confirmed that Deepak was not financially dependent on his daughter’s income. He earned approximately Rs 15 lakh per year through his brokerage business and also generated substantial income from his properties. Despite his financial independence, Deepak had become increasingly distressed over the situation. Police sources mentioned that Deepak had been suffering from depression for some time.
An alleged motive tied to social media fame has also surfaced. Radhika, who had gained popularity online, reportedly wanted to become an influencer. Deepak, who had earlier voiced his displeasure over her growing presence on social media, seemed to be particularly angered by one music video Radhika had featured in recently. However, the police have dismissed these claims, stating that the video, uploaded in 2023, had no connection to the murder.
In the latest developments, Deepak Yadav has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody by a Gurugram court. The police did not seek his custodial remand. During questioning, Deepak admitted to being affected by continuous taunts from villagers, which he claimed led to his growing isolation and disturbed state of mind. He had reportedly been unable to sleep for over two weeks before the murder.
The tragic incident came after Deepak had invested over Rs 2.5 crore in Radhika’s tennis career since her childhood. However, her future in competitive tennis was curtailed by an injury two years ago. On the day of the murder, Deepak allegedly shot Radhika multiple times, firing four bullets into her body—three in her back and one in her shoulder.
Deepak has been taken to Bhondsi Jail.
- With inputs from agencies