In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across India, 25-year-old state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was brutally murdered by her own father, Deepak Yadav, in their Gurugram home on July 10, 2025. The tragic event has sparked widespread outrage, with prominent figures voicing their condemnation and calling for societal change. Among them, WWE Hall of Famer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dalip Singh Rana, popularly known as The Great Khali, has emerged as a powerful voice, expressing deep anguish over the killing and questioning the mindset that led to such a heinous act. Speaking at the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event in Delhi on July 13, 2025, Khali linked the incident to the broader failure of society to uphold the values of the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign, urging a shift in mentality to empower and support daughters.
The Tragic Murder of Radhika Yadav
Radhika Yadav, a talented tennis player who represented Haryana at the state level and coached aspiring athletes, was shot dead by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their residence in Sector 57, Gurugram. According to police reports, Deepak, a 49-year-old builder with a licensed revolver, fired multiple bullets at Radhika while she was cooking breakfast in the kitchen. Three bullets struck her in the back, killing her instantly. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 AM, was reportedly premeditated, with Deepak confessing to the crime during police questioning. He cited ongoing disputes with Radhika over her tennis coaching activities and societal taunts about relying on her income as key motives.
Investigations have revealed a complex web of tensions between father and daughter. Deepak, who initially supported Radhika’s tennis career, grew increasingly uncomfortable with her independence, particularly her decision to train young players by renting tennis courts across Gurugram. Police sources indicate that Deepak felt humiliated by villagers’ remarks, labeling him a “gira hua admi” (fallen man) for depending on his daughter’s earnings, despite his own financial stability through rental income. Additional reports suggest disagreements over Radhika’s social media presence, including her Instagram reels and a music video she appeared in, though police have ruled out a direct connection between the video and the murder. WhatsApp chats between Radhika and her coach, Ajay Yadav, also surfaced, revealing her plans to leave home and possibly move abroad due to familial tensions.
The Gurugram police have arrested Deepak Yadav, who has been sent to judicial custody, while Radhika’s mother, Manju Yadav, was cleared of any involvement. The case has drawn attention to deeper societal issues, including patriarchal attitudes and the pressure of social judgment, which may have contributed to this tragic outcome.
The Great Khali’s Response
Addressing the media at the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event in Delhi, The Great Khali expressed profound sorrow over Radhika Yadav’s murder, calling it an “unfortunate” and “shameful” act that reflects a flawed societal mentality. As a father himself, Khali emphasized the equality of daughters and sons, stating, “Even I have a daughter. Daughters are no less than sons, and it is all a matter of mentality, which some people still need to change.” His remarks underscored the need for a cultural shift to support daughters in their aspirations, particularly in fields like sports, where women continue to break barriers.
Khali directly referenced the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, a flagship initiative of the Indian government launched to promote the welfare and education of girls. He questioned how such a vision could be realized if daughters are not valued or protected, saying, “How will we work towards our motto of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ if we go on killing our daughters? We cannot become a vishwaguru (world leader) till we support our daughters.” His use of the term “vishwaguru” highlights his belief that India’s global aspirations are tied to its ability to empower its women, starting with ensuring their safety and autonomy within families.
Khali’s comments were not only a condemnation of the murder but also a broader call to action. He urged society to move beyond outdated notions of control and pride, advocating for parents to motivate their daughters to pursue their dreams. His emotional appeal resonated with many, as he drew from his own experience as a father to emphasize the importance of nurturing, rather than stifling, a daughter’s potential.
Societal Implications and Reactions
The murder of Radhika Yadav has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures of patriarchy and societal judgment in India. Reports suggest that Deepak Yadav’s actions were influenced by his perceived loss of honor due to taunts from villagers about his daughter’s financial independence. Dr. Verma, a psychologist quoted in media coverage, noted that parents who view their children’s success as their own may feel betrayed when those children assert their autonomy, leading to emotional dysregulation and, in extreme cases, violence. This case highlights the toxic intersection of pride, patriarchy, and prejudice, where a daughter’s independence was seen as a threat to familial control.
Other public figures have also weighed in. Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi commented on the duality of Deepak Yadav’s mindset, noting that he initially saw Radhika as a champion but later viewed her independence as a challenge to his authority. Dronacharya awardee and BJP leader Mahavir Singh Phogat, known for mentoring his daughters to wrestling stardom, strongly condemned the act, emphasizing that even if a child makes a mistake, such extreme measures are unjustifiable.
Radhika’s friend, Himaanshika Singh Rajput, a fellow athlete, alleged years of emotional abuse and control by Deepak, stating that he made Radhika’s life “miserable” with constant criticism. These accounts paint a picture of a young woman striving for independence in the face of familial resistance, only to meet a tragic end.
The Broader Context: Empowering Daughters in India
Radhika Yadav’s murder underscores the challenges faced by women in India, particularly those who defy traditional roles to pursue careers in fields like sports. The “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, launched in 2015, aims to address gender imbalances by promoting girls’ education and safety. However, incidents like this reveal the persistent gap between policy rhetoric and societal reality. The pressure to conform to patriarchal norms, coupled with societal judgment, can create an environment where women’s achievements are undermined rather than celebrated.
The Great Khali’s advocacy for daughters’ empowerment aligns with the need for a cultural shift. As a former wrestler who rose from humble beginnings to global fame, Khali’s platform carries significant weight. His call to support daughters in sports and other pursuits resonates with the broader push for gender equality in India, where women athletes like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and the Phogat sisters have shown the transformative power of encouragement and opportunity.
Conclusion
The murder of Radhika Yadav is a stark reminder of the work still needed to achieve true gender equality in India. The Great Khali’s heartfelt condemnation of the act and his call for societal change highlight the urgency of rethinking outdated mentalities that devalue daughters. By invoking the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, Khali has drawn attention to the disconnect between national aspirations and the reality faced by many women. As India grapples with this tragedy, the voices of influential figures like Khali serve as a catalyst for change, urging families and communities to support, rather than suppress, the ambitions of their daughters. Only through such a shift can India hope to fulfill its vision of becoming a vishwaguru, where every daughter is empowered to shine.
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