The father of Nikki Bhati, a 26-year-old woman allegedly burned to death for dowry in Greater Noida, has expressed his grief and alleged that her in-laws made no attempt to save her. Bhikahri Singh stated that since his daughters, Kanchan and Nikki, were married into the Bhati family in 2016, they had been subjected to torture and dowry demands.

The case has sparked outrage and drawn widespread attention, especially after videos surfaced showing Nikki being assaulted. One disturbing video allegedly showed Nikki engulfed in flames and attempting to walk down the stairs. Nikki's sister, Kanchan, who is married to Nikki’s brother-in-law, Rohit Bhati, stated that Nikki was attacked in front of her young son. Kanchan also reported that Nikki was allegedly doused with a flammable liquid and set alight.

Nikki's family alleges that the dowry demands escalated over the years, initially including a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, and gold jewelry. However, the demands later increased to ₹3.6 million (Indian Rupees) in cash and a luxury car. According to reports, the family was demanding ₹36 lakh in dowry. Nikki’s father alleged that the demands kept increasing.

Police have arrested Nikki's husband, Vipin Bhati, her mother-in-law, Daya, her brother-in-law, Rohit Bhati, and her father-in-law, Satveer Bhati. Vipin Bhati was arrested on Saturday and was shot in the leg during an alleged attempt to escape police custody. He has been remanded to 14-days judicial custody. Daya Bhati was arrested on Sunday. Rohit Bhati and Satveer Bhati were arrested on Monday.

The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities taking the surfaced videos into consideration. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under sections 103(1) (murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 61(2) (attempting to commit offenses punishable with life imprisonment or others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Kasna Police Station in Greater Noida.

Nikki's death is one of many dowry harassment cases that have come to light recently. Just last week, another woman in Delhi, Komal, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with her family alleging dowry harassment. Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi has condemned the incident, stating that it reflects a societal mindset that views daughters as a burden.