The Gurugram Police on Sunday announced the closure of the investigation into the murder of 19-year-old national-level tennis player Radhika Yadav, declaring the case an “open and shut” matter. Authorities confirmed they will not pursue or include social media claims made by her friends in the chargesheet, asserting that the evidence already gathered, including her father’s confession, the recovered weapon, and forensic support, was sufficient to proceed legally.
The announcement comes amid social media attention sparked by Himaanshika Singh, a woman claiming to have been Radhika’s close friend for nearly a decade. In a video posted on Instagram, Himaanshika alleged that Radhika’s father, Deepak Yadav, had premeditated the murder at least three days before carrying it out on July 10, reportedly using a licensed revolver.
“I attended her cremation and heard from others that her father had planned this days in advance. He had even purchased a revolver beforehand,” she claimed. She further alleged that Radhika had been mentally distressed for days, and had “given up” on her aspirations under familial pressure, recounting a conversation where Radhika allegedly said: “I’m ready to live the way you want.”
Himaanshika also dismissed accusations that Radhika was seeking fame through social media. “Her Instagram account was private with only 69 followers,” she said, arguing that the provocation narrative, suggesting the father was influenced by village remarks about her makeup and ambitions, was unfounded and exaggerated.
Police Response: Allegations Dismissed
The Gurugram Police categorically rejected the relevance of such social media narratives. Sandeep Kumar, PRO of Gurugram Police, said, “The accused has confessed. The murder weapon has been recovered. Forensic reports support our findings. These online video statements are not part of the evidence and will not be included in the chargesheet.”
The police stated they had interrogated over 20 people from Wazirabad village, including relatives and acquaintances of the family. However, no one corroborated any story about external instigation, and Deepak himself reportedly failed to name any individual who provoked him.
According to police sources, Radhika was murdered in the kitchen while preparing breakfast for her mother’s birthday. Deepak Yadav allegedly shot her dead using his licensed revolver. A total of four cartridges were recovered from the crime scene.
The motive, police say, stemmed from Deepak’s frustration over his daughter’s growing independence and societal taunts about depending on her. WhatsApp chats retrieved from Radhika’s phone reveal that she wanted to leave home and study abroad, with messages indicating her desire to move to Dubai or Australia and live freely.
“Wanna enjoy life, idhar kaafi restrictions hai,” she had reportedly texted her coach.
Chargesheet to Be Filed Soon
Police officials confirmed that they are now finalising the chargesheet based on testimonial evidence, the accused’s confession, the recovered weapon, and digital forensic data. The case will not be reopened to consider additional social media-based testimonies unless substantial new evidence emerges.
Radhika’s tragic death has sparked conversations about gender norms, parental control, and youth mental health, but for now, authorities say the legal path ahead is clear — with Deepak Yadav to face trial for premeditated murder.
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