The alleged dowry murder of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati in Noida has taken a new turn with the emergence of details about the accused, her husband Vipin Bhati's, past. Vipin Bhati, along with his mother, father and brother, have been arrested in connection with Nikki's death, who was allegedly set ablaze at her in-laws' home in Greater Noida.

According to reports, an FIR was filed against Vipin Bhati in 2024 at the Jarcha police station after he was allegedly caught with another woman. The woman accused Vipin of assault after Nikki caught them together. This incident highlights a pattern of domestic violence and infidelity in Vipin's past, which is now under scrutiny as part of the investigation into Nikki's death.

Nikki and her sister, Kanchan, were married into the Bhati family in 2016. Kanchan is married to Vipin's brother, Rohit Bhati. The sisters allegedly endured abuse, including beatings and dowry demands, throughout their married lives.

Tensions reportedly arose after Nikki and Kanchan opened a beauty parlor at home. The family allegedly opposed the venture, but Nikki persisted. Relations further deteriorated after Nikki discovered Vipin's affair in 2024, which led to the assault FIR against him. In the days leading up to Nikki's death, the couple was reportedly not on talking terms and living in separate rooms.

The incident on August 21, 2025, has sparked outrage and prompted police to file a case under sections 103 (murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Kasna police station.

Conflicting claims and evidence have emerged since the incident. Nikki's family alleges that Vipin and his family were against Nikki's desire to be on social media and reopen a parlor she used to run. They also claim that Vipin and his family had been pressuring Nikki for money and a car as dowry. Vipin, however, stated that Nikki died on her own and that "husbands and wives often have fights".

Videos have surfaced on social media purportedly showing Nikki being assaulted by Vipin and engulfed in flames. Kanchan, Nikki's sister, allegedly recorded these videos. In one video, Vipin is allegedly seen pouring a liquid on Nikki while she sat on the floor. Another video shows Nikki, severely burnt, walking down a staircase before collapsing.

In a twist, CCTV footage has emerged, reportedly showing Vipin standing at a grocery shop outside his house around the time of the alleged attack. The footage, which police are scrutinizing, has prompted them to revisit the timeline and investigate all possibilities, including dowry harassment, domestic violence, and suicide.

Vipin was arrested on Saturday and was shot in the leg during an alleged attempt to escape police custody. His mother, Daya Bhati, and his brother, Rohit Bhati, and father Satyaveer Bhati have also been arrested. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded a time-bound probe and strict action against the culprits.