Table Tennis Player Radhika Yadav Shot Dead By Her Father; Investigations Underway

New Delhi (India) July 11: On Thursday morning, Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old national level tennis player was allegedly shot dead by her father Deepak Yadav, at their home in Sector 57 of Gurugram. 

Deepak confessed to the police that he was disturbed by the taunts from the villagers that meant he was living off his daughter's earnings. He had even overheard them creating doubt on her morals.

POLICE STATEMENT 

Gurugram police spokesperson Sandeep Singh said, "Radhika used to run a tennis academy, and her father was not happy with it." 

He claimed that Radhika had turned down his repeated requests to close the academy.

Her uncle Kuldeep Yadav filed a formal complaint, claiming that Deepak was angry with his daughter for continuing to attend the academy in spite of his repeated protests.

Assistant commissioner of police Yashwant Yadav said, “He wanted her to shut down the academy, but she refused. He finally shot her dead over the same dispute.” 

Radhika was in the kitchen making food when the incident happened. The incident happened on the first floor of their house at around 10:30 am.

She allegedly suffered critical injuries after Deepak fired three shots from his licensed revolver. 

Radhika had already passed away from her wounds when Kuldeep and Piyush hurried her to the hospital. Kuldeep told the police that he was shocked by the murder and that Deepak had not previously given him any indication of such an intention. He also said that the family was aware that Deepak had used his revolver in the crime.

Only Radhika, Deepak and her mother Manju Yadav were home when the incident took place. Dheeraj, their son, was in his real estate dealer's office. Radhika was lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen when Deepak's brother Kuldeep and his son Piyush, who live on the ground floor came upstairs to check after hearing gunshots.

Five empty shells and one live cartridge were discovered inside the revolver on the drawing room table.

MOTHER MANJU YADAV'S STATEMENT 

Radhika's mother, Manju Yadav, told police that she was lying in her room with a fever when the incident occurred and that she could only hear gunshots. She said Radhika had good character and had never brought shame to the family. 

Manju Yadav denied knowing of any major argument between her husband and daughter or what triggered the act.

INVESTIGATION AND FIR REGISTERED 

Blood samples, swabs, and the revolver used in the shooting were taken as evidence, and fingerprint specialists were consulted.

A case has been filed in accordance with relevant provisions of the Arms Act and section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The father told police that social criticism of his daughter's career and income had caused him to struggle with depression for the previous 15 days.

According to the FIR, he allegedly confessed that he could no longer stand the humiliation that had hurt his "pride."

Police are also looking into other aspects of the case, such as the father's opposition to a potential Instagram social media reel or affair.

Aadrika Tayal