Days after national-level tennis player Radhika Yadav was allegedly shot dead by her own father, her best friend, Himanshika Singh, has spoken out publicly — painting a disturbing picture of the emotional trauma and strict control Radhika faced at home.

In a heartbreaking video and social media posts, Himanshika revealed how Radhika felt “suffocated” in her own house due to what she described as her family's “orthodox and controlling” behaviour. The two had known each other since 2012, and Himanshika described their friendship as close and consistent over the years.

“She was shamed for wearing shorts, for talking to boys, for simply living life on her terms,” Himanshika said, accusing Radhika’s father of mentally tormenting her with constant criticism and surveillance. “Her father made her life miserable. She wasn’t allowed to be herself.”

According to Himanshika, Radhika’s freedom was extremely restricted — from clothing choices to her daily schedule. Even short trips to her tennis academy, just 15 minutes away, had to be tightly timed and accounted for.

“She had to show her parents who she was video calling. There was zero privacy. They monitored her every move,” she said. “The pressure was not just from inside the house, but also from society. The family seemed obsessed with ‘log kya kahenge’ (what will people say).”

Describing Radhika as a “sweet and kind soul,” Himanshika said her friend's hobbies, including video-making and photography, had gradually disappeared under the emotional weight of restrictions and fear. “She slowly gave up on things she once loved. She was under extreme pressure.”