Gurugram tennis player murder: Radhika's best friend says accused father made daughter's life 'miserable with control & criticism'

In an Instagram video titled "What Happened to Radhika Yadav," Himaanshika, who considered the deceased state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav as her best friend, shared her thoughts on her shocking murder.

Himaanshika broke silence on her friend's tragic death and expressed her belief that Radhika’s parents were too strict and controlling. According to her, Deepak Yadav, the accused father who has confessed to shooting Radhika dead in their Gurugram home, tried to constantly control and criticise his daughter's life and choices.

“He’d made her life very difficult with constant criticism and control,” Himaanshika pointed out, adding that Radhika’s father had never fully accepted her independence.

She mentioned that Deepak was influenced by people who were envious of the tennis player's accomplishments. "He listened to so-called friends who were jealous of her success," she said, reflecting on how things took a tragic turn and led to the murder.

Radhika, who had dedicated herself to tennis, not only excelled in the sport but also wanted to run her own tennis academy to train aspiring players.

"She worked so hard in her tennis career and even built her own academy. She was doing so well for herself. But they couldn’t stand to see her independent," Himaanshika shared.

Radhika shamed for wearing shorts, talking to boys

Throwing further light on how Radhika’s freedom in both her career and personal life had often been criticised, her friend mentioned that her parents would "shame her for wearing shorts, talking to boys, for living life on her own terms."

Shot dead by father

Radhika Yadav, 25, was cremated on Friday, July 11, a day after her father, Deepak Yadav, 49, allegedly shot her dead with a licensed pistol. Deepak confessed to the crime, admitting that he shot his daughter five times.

Still unable to come in terms with the loss, Himaanshika posted a series of photos on social media, remembering her dear friend.

"I wish I had said these things earlier. You were the best friend anyone could have,” she wrote in the caption.

"I’m still in shock. I’m going to keep it in denial only," she added, while fondly addressing Radhika as "Raa, my best friend forever."