Radhika Faced Constant Shaming For Wearing Shorts, Talking To Boys, Says Friend After Murder

Tennis player Radhika Yadav, who was shot dead by her father in Gurugram last week, faced constant shaming and restrictions at home for wearing shorts, talking to boys, and living life on her own terms, her best friend has claimed.

Himanshika Singh, who knew Radhika since 2012, said in a video statement that the 25-year-old felt suffocated at home due to her family’s strict control over her movements and personal choices. She alleged Radhika’s family, whom she described as orthodox, had issues with “almost everything,” including what she wore and who she spoke to.

“When she used to be on a video call with me, she had to show her parents who she was talking to,” Himanshika said, adding that Radhika had strict deadlines for returning home despite her tennis academy being just 15 minutes away.

Himanshika also shared that Radhika’s father made her life “miserable with controlling behaviour and constant criticism.” She claimed Radhika gradually gave up hobbies like shooting videos due to the pressure at home.

“There was societal pressure on the family, and her parents were always worried about what people would say,” she said, describing Radhika as a “kind soul, sweet and innocent” who felt trapped by the restrictions imposed on her.

The claims come days after Radhika was shot dead at her home in Gurugram’s Sector 57 by her father, Deepak Yadav, who claimed he acted under pressure from villagers’ taunts about living off his daughter’s income. The murder sparked shock and anger, with an FIR stating Radhika was shot three times from behind while in the kitchen.

However, a postmortem later revealed that she had four bullet wounds to the chest, contradicting the father’s claim and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.

The incident has also highlighted the pressures faced by women athletes navigating conservative family environments while pursuing their careers and independence.

The Gurugram Police investigation is ongoing, with officials saying they are examining the postmortem findings and statements from family members to determine the exact sequence of events.