Post by : Minna

In a horrifying incident that has shocked the nation, 28-year-old Nikki Bhati lost her life after she was allegedly set on fire by her in-laws at their home in Greater Noida. Nikki was immediately taken to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital, where she battled for her life but unfortunately succumbed to severe burn injuries. This tragic incident has brought attention to the ongoing social issues of dowry harassment, domestic violence, and abuse within families.

Arrests Made in the Case

Following the shocking attack, law enforcement authorities acted swiftly. Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, and her mother-in-law, Daya Bhati, were arrested soon after the incident. As investigations continued, Nikki’s brother-in-law, Rohit Bhati, and her father-in-law, Satyavir Bhati, were also taken into custody. These arrests came after Nikki’s sister, Kanchan Bhati, filed a First Information Report (FIR). Kanchan, who is married into the same family, also suffered physical injuries while trying to rescue Nikki during the attack.

Authorities are now investigating the full extent of the family’s involvement and the possible conspiracy behind this brutal act. The arrests indicate that multiple family members were allegedly complicit in the crime, making it a shocking example of extreme domestic abuse and dowry-related violence.

Horrifying Details of the Attack

According to the FIR, the assault occurred on Thursday, August 21, when Nikki was allegedly physically attacked by her husband, Vipin, and her mother-in-law, Daya. In a horrifying turn, Vipin is accused of pouring a flammable substance over Nikki and setting her on fire.

Chilling video footage captured by Kanchan shows the intensity of the violence. One video shows Nikki being beaten by Vipin and Daya, while another shows her walking down a staircase engulfed in flames. A further clip reveals Nikki sitting on the floor, writhing in pain from severe burn injuries.

Kanchan tried to intervene to save her sister but was also attacked by the family. She later explained that if she had not recorded the incident, no one might have known about it. “I poured water on her, tried to save her, but fainted midway,” Kanchan said, visibly shaken. Her bravery in documenting the attack has been crucial in ensuring that justice can be sought.

Attempted Escape and Police Encounter

After the attack, Vipin Bhati was taken into police custody. However, on Sunday, while in custody, he allegedly attempted to escape and suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. Police reported that Vipin grabbed a police officer’s pistol and fired, prompting officers to respond. The police had visited his home earlier to recover the bottle containing the flammable liquid used to set Nikki on fire.

While being treated for his leg injury in the hospital, Vipin claimed that he did not kill his wife. “She died on her own. Husbands and wives often have fights… it is very common,” he said, displaying a shocking lack of remorse. His statements have drawn widespread anger from the public and Nikki’s family.

Alleged Dowry Demands and Family Pressure

According to Nikki’s sister, Kanchan, both sisters were subjected to continuous harassment over dowry demands. Their father reportedly gave substantial gifts to the Bhati family, including a top-model Scorpio SUV, a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, cash, and gold. Additional gifts were sent during festivals like Karwa Chauth.

Despite these contributions, the in-laws allegedly demanded more and continued to physically and mentally harass the sisters. The sisters were also running a small make-up studio, but the Bhati family reportedly did not approve of them earning independently. “They would take all our earnings and beat us for this,” Kanchan said. The family’s relentless pressure and abuse highlight the deeply entrenched problem of dowry and control over women’s financial independence in certain households.

Family Demands Justice

Nikki’s father, overwhelmed by grief, spoke about his anger and desire for justice. “They are killers, they should be shot, their home razed. My daughter was raising her son while running a business. They tortured her. The whole family was involved in this conspiracy, and they killed my daughter,” he said. His statements reflect the deep pain and frustration of a family that lost a beloved daughter in such a violent and preventable manner.

Wider Implications and Social Awareness

This tragic case has drawn national attention and once again put a spotlight on dowry-related violence and domestic abuse in India. It serves as a grim reminder of the dangers women continue to face within their own families and the importance of raising awareness about legal rights and protections.

Authorities are now continuing investigations to ensure that all family members involved in this incident are held accountable. The case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws against dowry harassment, domestic violence, and the protection of women in society.

As the nation mourns the loss of Nikki Bhati, her tragic story emphasizes the ongoing struggle against dowry-related violence and the necessity for both societal change and stronger legal measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Nikki Bhati, dowry murder, Greater Noida, Vipin Bhati, domestic violence