In a deeply disturbing incident from Sirsa village in Greater Noida, a 28-year-old woman named Nikki Bhati was allegedly set on fire by her husband and mother-in-law following repeated dowry demands. A chilling video shows Nikki limping down a staircase, her body severely burnt, just hours before she died en route to a hospital in Delhi.

Six-Year-Old Son Witnesses Mother’s Murder

Nikki’s six-year-old son witnessed the entire attack. His heartbreaking statement confirmed that his father and grandmother poured a substance on his mother, slapped her, and set her ablaze using a lighter. “Meri mumma ke upar kuch dala, fir unko chanta mara fir lighter se aag laga di. (They poured something on my mother, slapped her and set her ablaze using a lighter),” the victim’s son said.

Sister Alleges Years of Dowry Harassment

Nikki’s elder sister, Kanchan, who is also married into the same family, alleged that both sisters faced continued torture and harassment over dowry. According to her, the in-laws demanded ₹36 lakh and were dissatisfied even after the family gave them a car and other valuables. Kanchan also claimed she was assaulted the same night Nikki was killed.

“After marriage, they demanded Rs 35 lakh. We even gave them another car, but their demands and harassment continued unabated.” She said that she tried to save Nikki but could not. “I want them to suffer the way they made my sister suffer,” she said.

“They hit her in her neck and head and threw acid on her. Our kids were also in the same house. I couldn’t do anything. They tortured me as well,” Kanchan said while holding her sister’s son in her arms.wedding. They asked us to get Rs 36 lakh from our home. I was also assaulted between 1.30 am and 4 am on Thursday. They told me, ‘We have got dowry for one, what about the other? You are better off dead. We will marry again,” said Kanchan.

Graphic Videos Go Viral

Two videos have emerged online, one showing Nikki being dragged by her hair and assaulted by her husband and mother-in-law, and another of her trying to escape after being set on fire. Kanchan recorded the videos on her phone and later approached the police to file a complaint.

“On August 21, we received a call from Fortis Hospital informing us that a woman with burn injuries had been admitted and was referred to Safdarjung Hospital. Police immediately left for Safdarjung Hospital, but the woman succumbed to her injuries before the team could reach the hospital,” PTI quoted Greater Noida Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Sudhir Kumar as saying.

FIR Filed; Husband Arrested

An FIR has been registered against Nikki’s husband Vipin Bhati, his mother Daya, father Satveer, and brother Rohit at the Kasna Police Station. Vipin has been arrested, while the others are currently absconding. Police confirmed Nikki was initially taken to Fortis Hospital and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries before arrival.

However, before his arrest, Vipin shared a photo of his wife, Nikki, on social media. In the caption, he wrote, “Why didn’t you tell me what happened? Why did you leave me? Why did you do this? The world is calling me a killer, Nikki.” “A lot of wrong is happening to me, after you left,” he said, implying his wife died by suicide. He shared another photo of the two, along with their son, and wrote, “I am ruined. I have nothing left.”

Public Outrage and Demands for Justice

The incident has sparked public outrage, with large crowds gathering outside the police station demanding swift justice. Protesters held placards reading “Justice for Nikki.” Her father has called for the accused to be killed in a police encounter and their property demolished. The case has reignited nationwide outrage over dowry-related violence.

In a similarly shocking incident recently, a 32-year-old woman who married a Merchant Navy officer five months ago has been found dead in her Lucknow home. While her husband has claimed that she died by suicide. Madhu Singh’s family members allege he had been torturing her over dowry and had murdered her. The post-mortem report has confirmed that the death was caused by hanging. The accused, Anurag Singh, has been arrested, and police are questioning him to get to the bottom of the tragedy.