The investigation into the murder of 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav has now focused on her iPhone, which may hold critical clues. Police have sent the device to Haryana’s Department of Information Technology (DITECH) to unlock it and recover deleted chats, photos, and calls.
Radhika was allegedly shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, 49, inside their Gurugram home. He was arrested soon after and confessed to firing five rounds, four of which hit her. Investigators say the motive included resentment over taunts that he was financially dependent on his daughter, who ran a tennis academy.
Significantly, Radhika had deactivated her social media days before the killing. A hidden Instagram account surfaced through her friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, who in a video accused Deepak Yadav of premeditated murder driven by jealousy and social misogyny. She claimed he controlled Radhika’s movements and mental health, forcing curfews and constant video check-ins.
Radhika’s extended family has rejected these allegations, describing them as false. A cousin stated, “If she was oppressed, she could never have travelled abroad or trained players. The family invested everything in her success.”
According to police, Radhika travelled extensively for tournaments and was financially supported by her parents.
Meanwhile, Ms Rajput alleged that Radhika’s father faced taunts suggesting she be “forced into prostitution,” which fueled his rage.
Authorities are analysing the phone and reviewing statements from all sides, while also considering social pressures and psychological factors in their investigation.