Radhika Yadav's best friend claims her father was plotting her death for three days, quashes love jihad claims: 'He had no remorse'

Time of India

13-07-2025

The tragic death of 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav on July 11 has sent shockwaves across the country. The young athlete was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their home in Gurugram's Sector 57. Days after the incident, Radhika's best friend and fellow tennis player, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, has come forward with serious allegations against the family, sharing deeply personal insights into Radhika's life.
Friend claims Radhika's life was tightly controlled and monitored by her parents for years
Taking to Instagram, Himaanshika said she initially chose to stay silent to grieve her friend's loss. But as false narratives began circulating, she felt compelled to speak out. In two now-viral videos, she addressed everything from the alleged motive behind the killing to the toxic environment Radhika reportedly endured at home.
'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 constant control and criticism. In the end, he was influenced by people who were jealous of her success,' Himaanshika said in her emotional post.
She claimed Radhika's life was strictly monitored—from her clothing choices to her interactions with others. Even during video calls, Radhika was allegedly made to prove whom she was speaking with.
'We started playing together around 2012 or 2013. She was so reserved, but not by choice—she had no freedom. Her parents shamed her for wearing shorts, for talking to boys, and for being independent. Even though her tennis academy was just 50 meters away, she wasn't allowed to be late,' Himaanshika recalled.
According to her, Radhika had stopped making videos and taking photos—things she once loved—because her family disapproved.
Viral videos reject 'Love Jihad' claims, reveal emotional abuse and social isolation
Himaanshika also denied ongoing rumours suggesting a communal motive, such as Love Jihad, in the case.
'People are throwing around the term 'Love Jihad,' but where's the proof? She barely spoke to anyone. Her life was isolated; her home was not a place of freedom,' she said.
In a follow-up video shared just an hour ago, Himaanshika revealed how she learnt of her friend's death through a news article. When Radhika didn't answer her calls, she saw a photo of the house and realised it was indeed Radhika's home—the shock of the realisation hit her hard.
She went on to claim that Radhika's father had allegedly planned the murder for three days. He reportedly locked Radhika's mother in a separate room, sent her brother out for errands, and even got the family's pit bull out of the house—all while waiting for the right moment to act.
Allegations claim jealous peers encouraged father to kill; Himaanshika slams toxic male ego
Himaanshika further alleged that Radhika's father had been influenced by so-called friends who were envious of her success. According to her, they told him things like, 'She wears makeup now, short clothes. You're living off her money—you should make her sit in the market.'
Visibly angry, Himaanshika asked, 'How long will women continue to suffer under the weight of male ego?' She also shut down rumours claiming Radhika was chasing viral fame.
'If she was making reels, why was her Instagram account private? She had only 68 followers. Her last post was back in March 2024. I lived with her—I knew her. She was innocent. But in those last 10 days, her life became so miserable that she lost the will to live.' She ended by sharing that Radhika's father showed no emotion, not even a flicker of remorse, when the incident happened.
Radhika was rushed to a nearby hospital after the shooting but succumbed to her injuries. Her last rites were performed at her family's native village in Wazirabad. As the investigation continues, Himaanshika's heartbreaking testimony has revealed the inside details of what actually transpired before a young and talented soul lost her life.