On July 10, 2025, the tragic death of Radhika Yadav in Gurugram shocked the nation. It isn’t just brutal, it reveals the deep cracks in our society. Her father, Deepak Yadav, reportedly shot her after hearing repeated taunts from neighbors. These people accused him of living off her earnings. These comments, though casual on the surface, reportedly wounded his ego and challenged his sense of masculinity.
This case lays onto the nation a harsh truth, in a society that claims to support progress, women’s autonomy is still often seen as a threat to patriarchal norms. Radhika’s right to work, earn, and choose her own path became, in the eyes of others, a source of shame instead of pride. As we talk about progress, we must ask- Are we really moving forward, or are outdated beliefs silently holding us back?
The Control Over Radhika Yadav
Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old state-level tennis player and coach, was not only excelling in her sport but also gaining financial independence. However, in families where traditional roles dominate, this kind of self-sufficiency, especially from a daughter, can feel like a challenge to male authority. In such homes, success is welcomed when it stays within accepted boundaries. The moment it becomes bold or independent, it risks being misread as rebellion. This shift does not and should never excuse violence, but it exposes how fragile some of these roles truly are.
Citing a report from Outlook India, the father, Deepak Yadav, told police: “When I went to Wazirabad to fetch milk, people in the village taunted me for living off my daughter’s earnings. This upset me. They also pointed fingers at her character. I told my daughter to shut the academy for this reason, but she refused. I was constantly tense over this.”
Society often reinforces these pressures. Family members, neighbors, and community norms continue to uphold rigid expectations. In Radhika’s case, it wasn’t just her father’s beliefs, but also community taunts which played a part in escalating the tension.
Control plays a powerful role in shaping behavior across society. For many, especially within traditional family structures, control becomes a way to maintain order, identity, and respect. But when that control begins to slip, it can feel like losing grip on the steering wheel while navigating a busy road. The fear of losing that sense of direction can lead to emotional instability or harmful actions. However, these reactions should not even begin to define how we function as a society. We must work towards a society where such control ceases to function.
Between The Lines of Neglect and Resistance
Recent cases are just as troubling. They show how unsupported women feel in the face of injustice. In Odisha, a 20-year-old college student died after setting herself on fire. She had reported sexual harassment by a professor, but authorities reportedly ignored her. In Pilibhit, another woman attempted self-immolation when the police failed to act on her assault complaint. These incidents show a deeper crisis, one where survivors are met with indifference. Those who speak up face resistance rather than protection. This reminds us that progress must go beyond slogans: It must absorb itself into how institutions and families respond to the people they claim to protect.
These cases remind us that time and time again, that real progress is about building a society where independence is respected- Where emotional well-being is prioritized, and where justice is accessible. Until we create spaces that support rather than punish autonomy, especially for women, we risk repeating tragedies. Change begins not only with laws and reforms, but with difficult conversations inside homes, schools, and communities. We must move beyond control and silence, and toward empathy and respect.
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