Noida: The investigation into the death of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati has taken a significant turn, with police recovering a flammable substance from her room and fresh video clips surfacing in connection with the August 21 incident. These developments are prompting investigators to revisit earlier findings and re-examine the sequence of events that led to her death. (Noida Dowry Death Case)
According to a senior officer involved in the case, the liquid material found at the scene has been sent for forensic examination. Meanwhile, multiple short videos circulating on social media are also being studied by the police. One of the clips reportedly shows Nikki’s mother-in-law attempting to separate her from husband Vipin Bhati during a heated altercation. Another video, allegedly recorded by Nikki’s sister Kanchan, captures a voice saying, “Yeh kya kar liya (what have you done),” moments after the incident.
Kanchan, who lodged the FIR, had earlier accused Vipin, his parents, and his brother Rohit of setting Nikki on fire following repeated dowry demands. She has also claimed she tried to stop the attack. Investigators now plan to re-record her statement in light of the new footage.
So far, Vipin, Rohit, their father Satyavir, and mother Daya have been arrested on charges of dowry harassment and murder. Nikki’s father has demanded the strictest punishment for the accused and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to personally intervene in the matter.
The case has also brought past allegations against Vipin under the scanner. Police are examining CCTV footage showing him outside his house minutes before the fire and are probing a 2023 complaint in which he was accused of assaulting a young woman in Greater Noida’s Jarcha area.
Nikki, who sustained severe burn injuries, was initially taken to a private hospital where doctors mentioned a possible gas cylinder explosion in their memo. She was later shifted to Delhi but succumbed to her injuries on the way. Her family, however, has dismissed the explosion theory, insisting that she was deliberately set ablaze over dowry demands. They allege that despite giving vehicles, jewellery, and other gifts during the 2016 marriage, the Bhati family continued to press for ₹36 lakh and a luxury car.
Vipin attempted to escape custody on August 25 but was shot in the leg by police while being chased. His cousin Devendra, who helped rush Nikki to the hospital, claimed she repeatedly asked for water and complained of suffocation in her final moments.
The FIR in the case has been registered at Kasna Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those relating to murder and attempt to commit offences punishable with life imprisonment. (Noida Dowry Death Case)
Police officials say the fresh evidence could reshape the direction of the investigation, as they continue to piece together the events of that tragic night in Sirsa village.
