Radhika Yadav murder: Music video link emerges in tennis player's fatal shooting in Gurugram

Tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot dead by father Deepak Yadav on Thursday

The shocking murder of 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav by her father in Gurugram took a disturbing turn as police disclosed her appearance in a music video significantly escalated family tensions prior to the killing, according to NDTV. The incident occurred around 10.30 am in the kitchen of their Sector 57 residence while Radhika was preparing food.

Radhika's involvement in Karwaan, a song by independent artist INAAM, became a major point of contention in her already strained relationship with father Deepak Yadav, according to police sources cited by NDTV. The video, produced under LLF Records and featuring Radhika prominently alongside the singer, had been publicly available for about a year before the tragedy.

Investigators found Deepak had repeatedly demanded his daughter remove the video from her social media accounts, with the father allegedly viewing her participation as inappropriate. The video reportedly became symbolic of the independence he couldn't accept.

While financial disputes over Radhika's tennis academy had already created friction, law enforcement officials said that the music video appeared to intensify Deepak's resentment, as per NDTV. The father reportedly saw his daughter's growing public profile - including both her sports career and creative pursuits - as a challenge to his authority.

The final confrontation occurred on Thursday morning when Deepak allegedly shot his daughter three times in their Sector 57 home kitchen. Radhika's uncle Kuldeep Yadav heard the gunshots from the ground floor residence and discovered the horrifying scene.

As per India Today, the FIR was lodged on the complaint of Radhika’s uncle. He and his son, who live on the ground floor of the house, rushed upstairs after hearing the gunshots and found Radhika lying in a pool of blood. Kuldeep, who said he had no prior warning of such an intention from Deepak, told police the revolver used had long been in the family’s possession.

In his police statement, Deepak cited persistent humiliation from villagers in their native Wazirabad as a key motive, with locals allegedly mocking him for "living off his daughter's earnings." However, investigators also emphasised that his discomfort with Radhika's music video appearance and social media presence appeared to compound these frustrations.

Radhika, a graduate of Scottish High International School, had represented India in doubles, reaching a career-high ITF ranking of 113. After a shoulder injury ended her playing career, she reportedly turned to coaching, running her own academy to train young players.

Known for her vibrant personality, she often posted celebratory dance reels with her father after tournaments, making the crime even more chilling.