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Radhika Yadav Murder: Friend Calls Killing ‘Planned’, Reveals Mental Anguish and Parental Pressure

A week has passed since national-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father in Gurugram. Her close friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, has leveled explosive charges in a series of viral online videos.

In Part II of her video statement, Himaanshika alleges the 21-year-old sportsperson had been mentally traumatized for days and that the killing was premeditated. Deepak Yadav, father of Radhika, is presently in police custody after he allegedly shot his daughter four times using a licensed revolver at their Sector 57 home on July 10.

“She told her father she’d live on his terms, do whatever he wanted. But he had no expression left, like his mind was already made up,” Himaanshika said in the video, which has drawn over 2 million views.

She described that the victim’s last 10 days were  ‘miserable’ and full of emotional breakdowns. Himaanshika is convinced the killing was premeditated and that Deepak had plotted the crime for three days. Early police reports indicate jealousy of Radhika’s increasing public status, both on social media and in the sports community.

Friend Describes Abrupt Household

In her initial part of her video series, Himaanshika explained a highly conservative household. She claimed that Radhika’s parents, especially the father, were very controlling and sensitive to what people think.

“She was fond of photography, video-making, but all that was left behind because her parents objected. They were too concerned about what others might say,” said Himaanshika, adding that Radhika was constantly required to explain every outing or encounter to her family.

The videos have also set off an online debate on mental health, parental overreach, and the pressure put on young women in traditional homes.

Caste, Relationship, and Resistance

A neighbor from the Yadavs’ hometown village of Wazirabad, which has gained fame thanks to influencer Elvish Yadav, has provided another twist. Talking to the Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity, the neighbor alleged that Deepak Yadav did not approve of Radhika’s affair with a man belonging to another caste.

“She was willing to marry him, but her father did not permit it. He insisted that she marry a man from her caste. He was conservative and strict,” the neighbour explained.

Police Custody and Investigation

Deepak Yadav was brought to court on Friday and remanded in police custody. Investigators have also eliminated any role of Radhika’s mother, who has been cleared with a clean chit.

As the investigation goes on, the friend’s disclosures have put an increased spotlight on what drove the dramatic crime. This raised questions regarding the expectations placed on women, even those in the spotlight.