In a shocking case of dowry harassment and murder, the Noida Police on Monday arrested the brother-in-law of 28-year-old Nikki, marking the third arrest linked to her death. Nikki was allegedly set ablaze by her husband inside their Greater Noida residence after repeated dowry demands.
Officials confirmed that Nikki’s brother-in-law was taken into custody on Monday for his alleged involvement in the harassment. Earlier, police had arrested her husband, Vipin Bhati, on Saturday, August 23, followed by her mother-in-law, Daya Bhati, on Sunday, August 24. The father-in-law remains absconding. Police said all four were named in the FIR filed on the basis of a complaint by Nikki’s elder sister, Kanchan.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in the region, not only due to the brutal nature of the crime but also because of the disturbing details that have emerged. Police revealed that on Sunday, while in custody, Vipin attempted to flee and was shot in the leg during an encounter. Prior to Nikki’s death, disturbing videos had surfaced online showing Vipin physically assaulting her. Hours before the attack, he even posted emotional messages on Instagram, writing, “Why did you leave me? The world is calling me a killer, Nikki.”
The incident took place in the Sirsa area of Greater Noida, where Nikki was reportedly beaten before being set on fire. Her young son, who witnessed the crime, recounted to local media: “They first put something on mumma. Then they slapped her before setting her on fire using a lighter.”
Kanchan, Nikki’s sister, who was also present that night, alleged she too was assaulted. “They asked us to get Rs 36 lakh from our home. They told me, ‘We have got dowry for one, what about the other?’” she said, claiming both sisters had been facing harassment since Nikki’s marriage in 2016.
After sustaining severe burns, Nikki was rushed to Fortis Hospital by neighbours and later referred to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital, but she died en route on Thursday. Her death has triggered protests outside the Kasna police station, where residents held placards demanding “Justice for Nikki” and urging strict punishment for the accused.
