Greater Noida: The dowry death case of 30-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has taken a new twist after her sister-in-law accused the victim’s own family of harassment, India Today reported.
Meenakshi, who is married to Nikki’s brother Rohit Gurjar, alleged that she was assaulted by her in-laws. “They misbehaved with me and even hit me,” she said, speaking to India Today. Her allegations have complicated the investigation, which had so far focused on Nikki’s in-laws being accused of dowry harassment and murder.
The case began on August 21, when Nikki suffered severe burn injuries at her in-laws’ house in Sirsa village under Dadri police station limits. She was first admitted to Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida and later referred to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital but died on the way. Following her death, Nikki’s sister Kanchan filed an FIR alleging that Nikki’s husband Vipin Bhati, his parents, and a brother-in-law set her ablaze over a demand of ₹36 lakh dowry. Kanchan also claimed her sister had been tortured for years.
According to the FIR, the in-laws had been pressuring the family despite having already given a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, gold, and cash. “My sister was tortured for years, and they demanded ₹36 lakh. On August 21, they set her on fire,” Kanchan alleged in her complaint. The family also alleged Nikki was brutally beaten before being burnt alive.
The incident unfolded in front of Nikki’s young son, who gave a chilling statement to investigators about what he witnessed. He said, “Meri mumma ke upar kuch dala, fir unko chanta mara fir lighter se aag laga di” (They poured something on my mother, slapped her and set her on fire with a lighter).
Based on the complaint, police arrested Vipin Bhati, his mother, father, and brother-in-law. Vipin was later shot in the leg when he allegedly tried to flee police custody. After his arrest, he told the media, “I have no remorse. I haven’t killed her. She died on her own. Husband and wife often have fights, it is very common.”
Now, Meenakshi’s accusations against Nikki’s family have added another layer to the case. Greater Noida police said they are examining all aspects of the investigation, including the new allegations. No separate FIR has been filed yet, but officials confirmed that her statement will be considered as part of the probe.
The case has drawn nationwide attention, with protests and demands for strict punishment after the initial allegations of dowry murder. However, with fresh claims and the child’s testimony, the investigation has become more complex.