The family of late tennis player Radhika Yadav has rejected statements made by her friend Himaanshika Singh, who alleged that Radhika felt stifled by her family’s restrictions. The 25-year-old athlete’s relatives stated that her global tennis career proved she lived freely and wasn’t held back by her family.
Responding to Himaanshika’s social media posts, the family said her claims were “wrong statements” that painted an inaccurate picture. They emphasized that Radhika’s success came from combined efforts—not just hers, but also the family’s.
Friend’s Allegations About Control and Pressure
In a series of videos shared on Instagram, Himaanshika, who introduced herself as Radhika’s “best friend,” accused Radhika’s father of being “controlling” and placing limits on her life.
She claimed, “Radhika loved posting videos and reels, but eventually, that stopped. Her family would often pressure her, saying: ‘What will people say.’ They had a problem with almost everything and restricted Radhika from doing what she liked. She even had a curfew.”
The friend alleged that social pressure influenced the family’s behavior and said Radhika’s father had made her life “miserable.”
Himaanshika further claimed in her emotional video, “My best friend Radhika was killed by her own father. He shot her five times, and four of the bullets hit her. He had made her life miserable for years by always trying to control her and constantly criticising her. In the end, he believed his friends who were jealous of her success.”
Family Refutes All Allegations of Control
A cousin of Radhika refuted these serious allegations in a statement to NDTV, saying, “Agar bandishe hoti, toh woh ghar se nahi nikal paati, bachho ko training nahi de paati, toh ye sarasar galat aur bebuniyad baatein hain”
(Translation: “If there had been restrictions, she (Radhika) would not have been able to leave home or train children. So these things are totally wrong and baseless.”)
Another cousin stressed that Radhika had travelled widely for her tennis career—evidence that she had full freedom to pursue her dreams.
“If there were family restrictions, she would not have been able to even step out of her house to play tennis,” the family member said, countering Himaanshika’s claims.
He added, “Visa is required, tickets are also booked, it is not free. The family has also invested money, they have also worked hard. Radhika has also worked hard. Wrong statements are being made in the media that there were restrictions. There is nothing like that in the family.”
Father Confessed to Crime, Family Mourns Loss
Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot and killed by her father Deepak Yadav on July 10, while she was preparing breakfast at home on her mother’s birthday. According to reports, Deepak confessed to the crime following the tragic incident.
Himaanshika claimed Radhika had reached a breaking point before her death. According to her, Radhika had given up and agreed to live according to her family’s wishes, feeling hopeless under constant pressure.
Despite the accusations, Radhika’s relatives firmly denied any wrongdoing and maintained that she was never held back from pursuing her passion for tennis. They said that spreading such claims only disrespected her memory and the family’s efforts.
