Radika Yadav Murder Case

In 2025, Radika Yadav, a national-level tennis player from Gurugram, India, was found dead at her residence. Investigations by Gurugram Police led to the arrest of her coach and romantic partner, Vikram Singh. The prosecution alleged Singh murdered Yadav following a dispute over her career decisions and his desire to control her finances and travel schedule. The case, classified under "Other Cases," drew intense media coverage due to the victim's sporting status and the gruesome nature of the crime. Evidence included digital forensics and testimonies from fellow athletes regarding prior harassment. The trial was conducted on a fast-track basis, culminating in a conviction within the same year.

Vikram Singh was found guilty of murder by the Gurugram District Court and sentenced to life imprisonment. The court cited overwhelming circumstantial evidence, digital records, and witness accounts that established a clear motive and pattern of abuse.

The primary dispute focused on whether the death was a premeditated murder fueled by jealousy and financial control, or an act of sudden provocation as claimed by the defense. The defense argued the evidence was purely circumstantial and pointed to a lack of direct witnesses. The classification of the couple's relationship and the admissibility of electronic evidence were also fiercely debated.

The case sparked nationwide outrage and ignited a conversation about intimate partner violence within India's sports ecosystem. Athletes and activists called for stricter internal policies in sports federations to protect women from harassment by coaches. It also led to increased scrutiny of the power dynamics between mentors and athletes, with demands for the establishment of a formal grievance redressal mechanism within the Sports Authority of India.