The brutal death of Nikki, a 26-year-old woman from Sirsa village in Greater Noida, has ignited widespread outrage and brought the issue of dowry harassment back into the spotlight. Nikki was allegedly set on fire by her husband, Vipin Bhati, and her in-laws over dowry demands. Vipin has been arrested as the prime accused, and a case has been registered against four family members, including Vipin, his mother, father, and brother.
According to Nikki's sister, Kanchan, who is married into the same family, the family had already provided a branded SUV and other valuables at the time of the marriage. However, the demands for more dowry persisted. Kanchan alleged that after the marriage, the in-laws demanded an additional Rs 35 lakh and that despite giving them another car, the harassment continued. She further stated that on the night of the incident, Nikki was beaten unconscious by Vipin before being set on fire with an inflammable substance. A disturbing video has emerged showing Nikki, engulfed in flames, limping down a flight of stairs shortly before her death on the way to a Delhi hospital. Her young son witnessed the horrific act, telling that his father and grandmother tortured and set his mother on fire.
ADCP Greater Noida, Sudhir Kumar, confirmed Vipin's arrest. He stated that the police received a memo from Fortis Hospital regarding a woman admitted with burn injuries. She was later referred to Safdarjung Hospital but died en route. Based on Kanchan's complaint, a case was registered against the four family members. Police teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining accused.
The incident has sparked anger in the community, with family members demanding strict action against those responsible. Protests have erupted, highlighting the ongoing issues of dowry harassment and domestic violence in India. Villagers are calling for the accused to receive the same brutal treatment as Nikki, demanding the death penalty. They say that Nikki ran her own beauty parlor and earned her own money, yet her husband continued to pressure her for funds, fueled by his alcohol addiction.
Authorities are working to arrest the remaining suspects and have assured the community that the case will be thoroughly investigated. Nikki's body was handed over to her family after a post-mortem examination.