‘Parents Shamed Her for Wearing Shorts, Talking to Boys’: Radhika Yadav’s Best Friend Speaks Out

Three days after the shocking murder of 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav in Gurugram, her close friend and fellow athlete Himaanshika Singh Rajput has made serious allegations against Radhika’s father, claiming years of emotional abuse, control, and psychological torment led to the tragedy.

Himaanshika, who trained and competed alongside Radhika for years, took to Instagram to share two videos — one a tribute montage of their memories, and the other a heartfelt message blaming Deepak Yadav, Radhika’s father, for not only the murder but for a long history of mistreatment.

“He Made Her Life Miserable”

In an emotional message, Himaanshika alleged that Radhika’s father had become increasingly controlling and mentally abusive. “My best friend Radhika was murdered by her own father. He shot her five times — four bullets hit her. He made her life miserable with his criticism and restrictions. In the end, he listened to jealous people around him who couldn’t stand her success,” she said in the video titled Part 1.

She claimed Radhika’s parents constantly shamed her for her independence, clothing, and social life. “They couldn’t bear to see her live on her own terms. They scolded her for wearing shorts, for having friends, for being confident.”

Strict Restrictions and Isolation

According to Himaanshika, Radhika had grown increasingly isolated over the years. “She had to prove who she was talking to on video calls. She would turn the camera toward me just to avoid suspicion,” she recalled. “Her tennis academy was only 50 meters away from her home, but she still couldn’t be late or unaccounted for.”

Himaanshika shared how they started playing tennis together around 2012–13 and grew close over time. “She was always reserved. Her family kept her isolated, even when we traveled together for matches,” she said.

Despite her challenges at home, Radhika had built a promising career and had even launched her own tennis academy, which made her an inspiration to many in India’s tennis community.

Rejects Communal Angle

Addressing speculation that the murder had a communal or “love jihad” motive, Himaanshika firmly dismissed those claims. “There’s no evidence for that. She hardly spoke to anyone outside her close circle. People are creating false narratives,” she said.

Deepak Yadav Breaks Down in Custody

According to police, Deepak Yadav broke down during interrogation after meeting relatives and reportedly asked them to “ensure he is hanged” for what he had done. Investigators say he remains mostly uncooperative, likely due to shock or remorse.

Police confirmed that Deepak fired five shots at his daughter inside their home in Gurugram’s Sector 57 on July 9. Three bullets hit her back and one her shoulder. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Her last rites were held in Wazirabad on Friday.

On Saturday, a city court sent the 51-year-old accused to 14 days of judicial custody.

Mother Cleared of Involvement

Police also confirmed that Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, had no role in the murder. “She was unaware of Deepak’s intentions,” said Gurugram Police PRO Sandeep Kumar. “Initially there was some suspicion, but investigation has shown that Deepak acted alone.”

As the investigation continues, the spotlight remains on the deeply troubling dynamics within the household and the systemic silencing of independent women — even those as successful and driven as Radhika Yadav.