Gurugram Shocker: Father Planned Murder of State-Level Tennis Player Daughter, Say Police

Gurugram, July 11 — In a chilling revelation, Gurugram police confirmed on Friday that the brutal murder of 21-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was a premeditated act, meticulously planned by her father, Deepak Yadav. Contrary to earlier assumptions of a crime committed in a moment of rage, investigators now say Deepak had orchestrated the act in advance.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the family's residence in Gurugram. According to police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar, Deepak confessed during interrogation that he had deliberately sent his son out for grocery shopping in order to be alone with Radhika. He then shot her multiple times while she was preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

“He admitted during questioning that he planned the murder,” said Kumar, adding that Deepak fired four bullets at close range.

While the immediate motive cited by the accused revolves around mounting social pressure and criticism from relatives and neighbours—who allegedly mocked him for being financially dependent on his daughter—the investigation is also exploring deeper familial tensions.

A report from Hindustan Times quoted a former neighbour from the family’s native village of Wazirabad, who suggested that Deepak was upset over Radhika’s relationship choices. Allegedly, Radhika wished to marry outside their caste, which conflicted with her father's conservative beliefs and preference for a same-caste alliance.

“He was old-school and deeply traditional,” the neighbour said.

Despite this claim, the police have so far not established any definitive motive beyond the argument over the tennis academy. Deepak had reportedly insisted that Radhika shut down her sports academy, citing relentless taunts from acquaintances about his dependence on her earnings. However, close acquaintances of the family refuted these justifications, stating that Deepak was financially well-off and owned considerable property.

“The claim about being taunted due to financial dependency seems baseless,” a family friend commented.

Authorities have taken Deepak Yadav into custody and a formal charge sheet is expected following further investigation. The case has sent shockwaves through the sporting community and raised renewed concerns over entrenched social attitudes and familial pressures faced by young women in India.