Honor, Patriarchy & Penal Law: Analysing the Murder of Radhika Yadav

The shocking murder of 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav by her father, Deepak Yadav, has exposed the deep-rooted problems of patriarchal honor and social stigma. Around 10:30 AM on Thursday, Deepak allegedly shot Radhika four times in the back while she was preparing breakfast at their home in Sushant Lok-2, Gurugram.

Radhika was a rising tennis talent, once ranked 113 internationally in doubles and among the top five in Haryana. Even after a shoulder injury, she remained dedicated to the sport, opening a tennis academy and staying active on social media. But behind her promising career lay her father’s growing resentment.

Deepak, a financially well-off builder earning around ₹15 lakh annually, reportedly could not bear taunts from people in their native village, who mocked him for “living off his daughter’s income.” Police said he pressured Radhika to shut down her academy, citing that he earned enough and didn't want her to be the family’s breadwinner. This wounded sense of male pride and fear of gossip spiraled into depression, which he claimed plagued him for 15 days before the murder.

During interrogation, Deepak confessed that community remarks deeply insulted him. Despite previously investing heavily in Radhika’s tennis career, traveling with her across cities, and helping her achieve sporting milestones, he saw her financial independence as a threat to his honor. The tragic irony is stark: the same daughter he nurtured into a sports star became a victim of his bruised ego.

Family members expressed shock, unable to comprehend why Deepak snapped despite the family’s stable finances. Meanwhile, Gurugram police dismissed rumors that a music video or Instagram content was linked to the crime, emphasizing that Deepak’s motive was rooted in patriarchal shame.

The case throws a harsh light on how toxic notions of honor and masculinity can override paternal love, leading to irreversible tragedies. It also raises urgent questions about how India’s penal laws handle “honor crimes,” which often hide under the veil of family disputes.

Deepak Yadav has been sent to 14 days’ judicial custody, while the investigation continues into this harrowing example of honor, patriarchy, and criminal culpability.

END 

Verdicto will continue to follow this story closely, bringing you legal insights, expert interviews, and fact-based analysis.

Stay tuned. Because where law meets journalism — truth must prevail.

📌 Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.