GURGAON: The quiet neighborhood of Sector 57 in Gurgaon was jolted by an unimaginable tragedy on Thursday morning when 25-year-old Radhika Yadav, a promising former junior international tennis player, was shot dead, allegedly by her father, Deepak Yadav. The incident unfolded around 10:30 AM in the family home, where Radhika was reportedly in the kitchen preparing for her day.

According to police reports, a heated argument erupted between Radhika and Deepak regarding her tennis academy, which she had been running in the locality. Witnesses described how Deepak, 49, entered the kitchen and fired three shots at Radhika, striking her in the neck and the back. The sound of gunfire prompted Deepak's younger brother, Kuldeep, who lives on the ground floor with his family, to rush upstairs, only to find Radhika collapsed on the floor, bleeding profusely.

Despite the quick response from neighbors and attempts to rush her to a nearby private hospital, Radhika was declared dead upon arrival. In the aftermath, Deepak was arrested and charged with murder after Kuldeep filed a complaint with the police. The authorities recovered the weapon used in the crime, a licensed revolver registered in Deepak's name.

Initial investigations revealed that the argument leading to the tragedy stemmed from Deepak's dissatisfaction with Radhika's coaching career. Reports suggest that he had voiced his concern about her involvement in tennis coaching before, allegedly asking her to cease her activities. Police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar noted, “The accused admitted to the crime. He was unhappy that Radhika was giving tennis lessons. The body has been kept in the mortuary for autopsy, and the investigation is ongoing.”

While some reports implied that Deepak's frustration extended to Radhika's social media presence, specifically her Instagram Reels, representatives from the police and family friends do not corroborate these claims. A source involved in the investigation suggested that Deepak may have harbored deep insecurities, particularly feeling the sting of societal judgments for relying on his daughter's income. However, friends of the family have stated that there were no apparent financial issues; Deepak previously owned a car parts shop, which he has since closed, while family members also have rental income.

Neighbors and members of the local tennis community expressed their shock and disbelief at the incident. One neighbor described Radhika as a polite and humble individual who was dedicated to her coaching and respected by her students. Mona Sharma, whose daughter had been coached by Radhika, noted how Deepak was an active participant in Radhika's tennis journey, often accompanying her to practices and tournaments. “It’s hard to believe that he has killed her,” she stated, struggling to process the reality of the situation. Radhika was ranked 1999 by the International Tennis Federation and had participated in various tournaments earlier this year, demonstrating her commitment to the sport.

Vinod Kumar, the Station House Officer at Sector 56 police station, revealed that Radhika had sustained an injury that ultimately forced her to shift from competitive play to coaching. Suman Kapur, CEO of the Haryana Tennis Association, recalled meeting Radhika during the National Games in Goa, praising her discipline and dedication to the sport. “She did not win a medal but played well,” he remarked, underscoring the respect she garnered within the tennis community.

The tragic loss of Radhika Yadav serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for emotional support within families and the potential consequences of unresolved conflicts. Friends, neighbors, and the local community are left grappling with the aftermath of this shocking event, mourning the loss of a talented young athlete whose life was cut short.