Greater Noida – The Uttar Pradesh police on Monday arrested the father-in-law of Nikki Bhati, the woman who was allegedly murdered over dowry demands in Greater Noida. This marks the fourth arrest in the case, following the detention of her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law.
On Sunday, Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, was shot in the leg during a police encounter and later admitted to a hospital. He was subsequently remanded to 14-day judicial custody. Police have accused him of setting his wife on fire, leading to her death. He was also alleged to have assaulted her frequently. Vipin, however, denied the allegations, claiming he did not kill her.
Nikki’s father said his daughter suffered 70% burns and was pronounced dead at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi. He alleged that her in-laws poured kerosene on her and set her ablaze following repeated dowry demands. He said the family demanded ₹35 lakh and a car, and accused her husband of constantly pressuring her for money. He demanded the death penalty for the accused, saying, “He should be hanged.”
The victim’s father also spoke of long-standing domestic violence. He recalled how Nikki had once been brought back home due to harassment but was sent back after her in-laws promised to change. “That person is neither man nor human; he is a butcher. Now they have got what they wanted,” he said.
On Sunday, Nikki’s family staged a protest outside Kasana Police Station demanding justice. Political reactions soon followed, with Samajwadi Party women’s wing national president Juhi Singh urging the strictest punishment. She said laws exist to protect women, but the government has failed to implement them effectively.
The case has triggered fresh outrage over dowry-related violence in Uttar Pradesh, with widespread calls for swift justice and harsh punishment for those found guilty.
