'I Should Be Hanged', says Radhika Yadav's accused father

In a latest development in the murder case of former state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav, her uncle has claimed that the accused ,her father, Deepak Yadav  confessed to killing her and said, “I should be hanged” for his actions.Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Vijay Yadav, Deepak’s elder brother, said the family is in shock and grief after the tragic incident.“Deepak realised his mistake. There can be no greater punishment than living with such remorse. He said he deserves to be hanged,” Vijay told the media.Refuting earlier claims, the uncle also clarified that Radhika did not own a tennis academy. “She trained young players by booking courts at different places. Deepak was financially stable, and he had supported her career wholeheartedly. He spent crores and gave her his full time,” he added.

The 25-year-old athlete was allegedly shot dead at point-blank range by her 49-year-old father on Thursday at their residence in Gurugram’s Sector 57. Police have confirmed that the accused fired multiple bullets, three of which struck Radhika in the back and one in the shoulder.A close friend of the accused also revealed that Deepak was deeply disturbed and had confessed, “I committed a sin.” According to him, Deepak was proud of his daughter but struggled to cope with public remarks and was worried about his social image.Radhika, who had recently shifted her focus from tennis to becoming a social media influencer and a coach for aspiring players, was reportedly at odds with her father over her new career path. Police sources said Deepak objected to her coaching sessions and felt uncomfortable with her growing social media presence.A WhatsApp chat between Radhika and her coach Ajay Yadav has surfaced, in which she allegedly expressed her desire to leave home and explore opportunities abroad. However, authorities have clarified that this angle is not under investigation.“After suffering a shoulder injury about a year ago, Radhika began considering alternate careers. She composed music, wanted to enter the advertising world, and even shot a video with an independent artist. But Deepak disapproved of her new pursuits,” an officer said.
Earlier police statements indicated that Deepak was distressed by public taunts suggesting he was living off his daughter's income, despite having a stable rental income from various properties.“Radhika made it clear she would never do anything to bring shame to the family. Still, her father could not accept her earning through coaching. He asked her repeatedly to stop, but she refused,” said a senior investigating officer.
Deepak Yadav, who was sent to judicial custody on Saturday, reportedly confessed during interrogation. Police recovered five bullets and a live cartridge from the house and also took the accused to his ancestral village in Pataudi for further probe.The final rites for Radhika were performed on Friday in her native village of Wazirabad. Her tragic death has sparked outrage and debate over parental control, career freedom, and the mental toll of societal expectations.Police have maintained that the investigation is ongoing and all angles are being examined.