Gurgaon Tennis Star Radhika Yadav Murder: Father-Killer Sent to 1-Day Police Remand

Gurgaon tennis player Radhika Yadav was tragically murdered, allegedly by her father. The accused has been sent to 1-day police remand as the investigation unfolds

Gurgaon, July 11, 2025 — In a deeply disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the city of Gurgaon and the national sports community, 21-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly murdered by her father in what police are calling a brutal and calculated act. The accused, Ramesh Yadav, was presented before a local court on Thursday and has been remanded to 1-day police custody for interrogation.

The crime has sparked public outrage, especially given Radhika’s rising status in India’s tennis circuit and the chilling nature of the murder. She was considered one of the country’s most promising young athletes, having recently represented Haryana at national tournaments and clinched several regional titles.

The incident occurred in the early hours of July 10 at the family’s residence in Sector 45, Gurgaon. Neighbors reported hearing loud arguments followed by a chilling silence. When police arrived, they found Radhika’s lifeless body in her bedroom with multiple injuries. A blood-stained cricket bat, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from the scene.

Initial forensic reports suggest that Radhika died from blunt force trauma to the head. The room showed signs of a struggle, and investigators believe the attack was not impulsive but premeditated. Ramesh Yadav was immediately taken into custody.

Ramesh Yadav, 48, is a former junior-level cricketer who had reportedly struggled with alcoholism and financial troubles for years. According to police sources, domestic tension had been building between him and Radhika over her career choices, independence, and her alleged plans to move out and train full-time abroad.

During preliminary questioning, Ramesh confessed to the murder but has offered inconsistent statements regarding his motive. While some reports suggest he was furious over her decision to leave India for coaching, others claim he was feeling “disrespected” and isolated within his own home.

“This appears to be a case driven by control, ego, and rage,” said ACP Nitin Singh, who is leading the investigation. “We have sufficient evidence to believe the father planned the assault. He will be interrogated further to understand the exact trigger and sequence of events.”

The Gurgaon police presented Ramesh Yadav in court under tight security on July 11, seeking a 3-day remand to further investigate the case and recover digital evidence such as Radhika’s phone, text messages, and CCTV footage from the neighborhood.

However, the court granted only a 1-day police remand, citing the need for a preliminary medical examination and legal oversight due to the sensitive nature of the case. Police have assured the public that they will file a chargesheet under IPC Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) soon.

Radhika Yadav was not just any tennis player — she was a symbol of aspiration for young female athletes in India. A regular face at junior national championships, Radhika had recently been selected for an international training program in Spain, which was to begin in September 2025.

Her coaches describe her as “disciplined, talented, and fiercely ambitious.” She trained at a prestigious tennis academy in Gurgaon and was being groomed for entry into the professional circuit.

“She had everything — technique, attitude, hunger,” said coach Vikram Seth, breaking down during a press briefing. “This is not just a family tragedy; it’s a massive loss for Indian tennis.”

Friends and fellow players held a candlelight vigil outside Radhika’s academy late Thursday evening, demanding justice and expressing their grief over the senseless killing.

The incident has sparked a nationwide outcry, with citizens, athletes, and women’s rights groups demanding swift and harsh punishment for the accused. The hashtags #JusticeForRadhika and #StopDomesticViolence have been trending on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Threads.

Prominent athletes including Sania Mirza, PV Sindhu, and Neeraj Chopra have expressed their condolences and called for systemic changes to better protect young athletes from toxic domestic environments.

“This is a wake-up call,” Sania Mirza tweeted. “We cannot allow fear and control to end the lives of our daughters. Radhika deserved better — from her family, from all of us.”

Sources close to the Yadav family have revealed that this was not the first incident of domestic abuse. Radhika’s mother passed away three years ago under reportedly suspicious circumstances, though no investigation was pursued at the time.

Family friends claim Ramesh was known for his violent outbursts and rigid patriarchal mindset. “He never liked Radhika being in the spotlight,” said a family friend on condition of anonymity. “He wanted her to marry young and give up sports. She refused.”

The Gurgaon Police has indicated they will be reopening old family files and speaking with extended relatives and neighbors to uncover any history of abuse or prior threats made by Ramesh.

Radhika Yadav’s murder highlights a larger social issue — the vulnerability of young, successful women in environments that cannot accept their growth or independence.

Experts say this case is emblematic of the dangerous intersection of patriarchy, mental health neglect, and lack of institutional support for athletes.

“There is a disturbing trend of rising domestic violence against female athletes, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Radhika’s story must push sports federations and state governments to include psychological support and family counselling as part of athlete development programs.”

With Ramesh Yadav in custody and more forensic analysis underway, police are expected to:

Retrieve data from Radhika’s phone and laptop
Access security camera footage from nearby houses
Conduct psychological evaluation of the accused
File a complete chargesheet within 14 days

The post-mortem report, expected in the next 24–48 hours, will be crucial in confirming the exact cause and time of death. Meanwhile, Radhika’s funeral is scheduled for July 12 in Gurgaon, and is expected to see a large turnout from the sporting community and general public.

Gurgaon Tennis Star Radhika Yadav Murder: Father-Killer Sent to 1-Day Police Remand