On July 10, 2025, a tragic incident shook Gurugram, Haryana, when 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was fatally shot by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their residence in Sector 57, Sushant Lok Phase 2. The murder, which occurred around 10:30 AM on the first floor of their home, has sparked widespread shock and grief, amplified by the viral spread of a 2024 music video featuring Radhika. As investigations unfold, the case reveals complex family dynamics, societal pressures, and the role of social media in escalating tensions. This article provides an in-depth look at the incident, its context, and its broader implications.
The Incident
Radhika Yadav, born on March 23, 2000, was a rising star in Indian tennis, ranked 113 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) doubles and within the top 200 globally. On Thursday, July 10, 2025, her father, Deepak Yadav, aged 49, fired three bullets from a licensed .32 bore revolver at her during a heated altercation. Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, Radhika succumbed to her injuries. Deepak confessed to the crime and was arrested by the Gurugram Police, who recovered the weapon from the residence.
According to Sandeep Kumar, public relations officer of the Gurugram Police, initial findings point to a social media post as a trigger for the dispute. “The father became agitated and shot her,” Kumar told Hindustan Times. “We received a call from the hospital regarding a woman admitted with gunshot wounds. By the time we arrived, she had passed away. Statements from family members confirmed the father was responsible.”
The Music Video Controversy
A music video titled “Karwaan,” a love song by independent artist INAAM, produced by Zeeshan Ahmad under LLF Records in 2024, has gained significant attention following Radhika’s death. The video, featuring Radhika alongside INAAM in several scenes, went viral on social media platforms. Reports from NDTV suggest that Deepak objected to the video and had asked Radhika to remove related Instagram reels from her accounts, potentially contributing to the tensions. However, police officials have clarified there is “nothing concrete” linking the music video directly to the murder, emphasizing that the primary trigger appears to be a separate Instagram reel filmed by Radhika.
The viral spread of “Karwaan” has added a layer of complexity to the case, with social media amplifying public interest. X posts reflect varied sentiments, with users like @SportsIndiaFan mourning Radhika’s loss and praising her on-screen presence, while others, such as @JusticeNow7, criticized the media for sensationalizing the video without verified connections to the crime.
Underlying Tensions: Financial Independence and Social Pressure
The Gurugram Police and sources close to the family have highlighted deeper issues fueling the tragedy. Deepak Yadav was reportedly “jealous” of Radhika’s financial independence, derived from her successful tennis academy in Gurugram. According to the FIR accessed by Hindustan Times, Deepak confessed that he could “no longer bear the humiliation” from villagers in their native Wazirabad, who mocked him for allegedly “living off” his daughter’s earnings. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Sadar) Yashwant Yadav noted, “He asked her repeatedly to shut the tennis academy, but she refused. Arguments had taken place earlier as well. He finally shot her dead over the same dispute.”
This dynamic underscores patriarchal pressures and societal expectations around gender roles. Radhika’s success as a state-level athlete and entrepreneur challenged traditional family structures, particularly in a community where such independence may have been perceived as a threat to Deepak’s pride. The conflict reflects broader issues in India, where women’s financial autonomy can strain familial relationships, especially in conservative settings.
Radhika Yadav: A Rising Star
Radhika Yadav was a promising talent in Indian tennis, competing at the state level and achieving an ITF doubles ranking of 113, as reported by tenniskhelo.com. Her involvement in the tennis academy not only showcased her athletic prowess but also her entrepreneurial spirit, providing training to aspiring players in Gurugram. Her appearance in the “Karwaan” music video highlighted her versatility, blending her public persona with artistic expression. The video’s resurgence has bittersweetly immortalized her vibrant presence, with fans on X, like @TennisLover23, describing her as “a star on and off the court.”
Investigation and Public Reaction
The Gurugram Police are continuing their investigation, focusing on the sequence of events and underlying motives. While the Instagram reel appears to be the immediate trigger, the role of the music video remains unconfirmed. The police have collected statements from family members and are examining Deepak’s licensed revolver, which was legally registered. The FIR details his confession, emphasizing the ongoing disputes over Radhika’s academy and social media activity.
Public reaction has been intense, with social media platforms buzzing with outrage and sorrow. X posts, such as @GurugramVoice’s comment, “How does a father do this to his own daughter? Society needs to address these toxic pressures,” reflect widespread calls for addressing gender dynamics and familial expectations. Others, like @NewsJunkie9, urged restraint in linking the music video to the crime without evidence, echoing police statements about the lack of concrete connections.
Societal Implications
The Radhika Yadav case highlights critical issues at the intersection of gender, independence, and societal expectations. Deepak’s reported jealousy points to the challenges faced by women who achieve financial and professional success in patriarchal environments. The role of social media, both as a platform for self-expression and a source of familial conflict, underscores its double-edged impact in modern India. The viral “Karwaan” video, while not definitively linked to the murder, illustrates how digital content can amplify personal disputes, often out of proportion.
This tragedy also raises questions about gun ownership and domestic violence. Deepak’s access to a licensed revolver facilitated the crime, prompting discussions on X, such as @SafetyFirstIN’s post, “Why are licensed weapons so easily misused? Stricter regulations are needed.” The case may spur calls for tighter controls on firearms and greater support for addressing familial tensions through counseling or mediation.
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, the Gurugram Police are expected to release further details on the motives and circumstances. Radhika’s family, friends, and the tennis community mourn her loss, with tributes pouring in for her contributions to the sport. The viral music video, while a poignant reminder of her talent, also serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of public visibility in the digital age.
This case calls for a broader societal reflection on supporting women’s autonomy, addressing toxic masculinity, and managing the pressures of social media. Radhika Yadav’s legacy as a tennis player and entrepreneur endures, but her tragic death underscores the urgent need to address underlying tensions that can lead to such devastating outcomes.
Last Updated on: Friday, July 11, 2025 1:58 pm by Lokram Chittiboina | Published by: Lokram Chittiboina on Friday, July 11, 2025 1:58 pm | News Categories: News
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