Tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their home in Gurugram on Thursday morning after a heated argument over her making Instagram reels. The 25-year-old athlete, known for representing Haryana in national and international tennis tournaments, was critically injured when her father fired five rounds from his licensed revolver, three of which struck her.
Neighbours rushed to the house in Sushant Lok Phase 2, Sector 57, after hearing gunshots and immediately called for help. Radhika was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Police reached the spot soon after, arresting Deepak Yadav and seizing the weapon used in the crime. A case has been registered at Sector 56 police station, and investigations are ongoing.
According to police officials, the dispute began when Deepak Yadav objected to his daughter’s frequent use of social media, particularly her habit of making and posting reels on Instagram. He reportedly felt that this was distracting her from her tennis career and family responsibilities. The disagreement escalated quickly, leading to the tragic shooting.
Radhika Yadav had achieved considerable success in her tennis career, with a career-best ranking of 75 in the Girls Under-18 category and several notable performances in singles and doubles events. Her untimely death has left the sports community and her supporters in shock and grief.
The incident has sparked discussions about the pressures faced by young athletes and the growing influence of social media in their lives. Experts are calling for better communication and understanding within families, especially regarding the aspirations and interests of the younger generation.
Police have assured a thorough investigation and stated that all aspects of the case will be examined. The loss of Radhika Yadav stands as a grim reminder of the importance of empathy and dialogue in families, particularly in today’s digital age.
