The investigation into the suspected dowry death of Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has taken a dramatic turn, with her sister-in-law, Minakshi, making shocking allegations against Nikki's family. While Nikki's family has accused her husband, Vipin Bhati, and his family of dowry harassment, Minakshi, the estranged wife of Nikki's brother Rohit Payla, has come forward with similar accusations against Nikki's father and brother.

Minakshi, 31, who married Rohit in 2016, claims that her family gave a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz as dowry, but her in-laws dismissed it as "inauspicious" and sold it off. She alleges that Rohit's family, who are also Nikki Bhati's relatives, demanded a brand-new Scorpio SUV along with cash. When her family refused, she was allegedly sent back to her parents' home. The dispute was reportedly taken to the village panchayat, where members suggested that either Minakshi's family be paid back ₹35 lakh (the amount spent on the wedding) for her to remarry, or Rohit's family should accept her back.

Minakshi also accused Nikki and her sister, Kanchan, of physically assaulting her and claimed that her mother-in-law and Nikki's father, Bikhari Singh, also targeted her. She further alleged that Rohit assaulted her and once fired a shot at her brother and that she was forced to undergo two abortions. In 2024, her brother, Deepak Bhati, reportedly filed an FIR in support of her claims.

These allegations add a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into Nikki Bhati's death, raising questions about long-standing dowry disputes. Nikki's father, Bhikari Singh Payla, had accused Vipin and his family of relentlessly harassing his daughter for dowry and obstructing her business aspirations. He claimed that he had given her Rs 1.5 lakh to set up a beauty parlor, but her in-laws did not even allow her to put up a signboard. He is demanding the demolition of her in-laws' house and the harshest punishment for Vipin.

Nikki's relatives alleged that she faced years of escalating demands, from vehicles and gold to Rs 36 lakh in cash. Disturbing footage recorded before her death showed her being dragged by her hair and later engulfed in flames. She succumbed to her injuries while being taken to a Delhi hospital.

Police have arrested Vipin Bhati, his mother Daya, father Satveer, and brother Rohit in connection with the case. Vipin was shot in the leg by police during an attempted escape and is now in judicial custody.

Amidst these allegations and counter-allegations, a senior police officer has stated that the "media trial is hampering our investigation". The officer urged people to approach the police with facts instead of revealing evidence to the media. Relatives of the accused are demanding a fair probe, with one relative pointing to a video circulating that allegedly shows Nikki's family treating their daughter-in-law (Minakshi) badly.