A shocking incident of dowry harassment and murder has surfaced from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, where a 28-year-old woman named Nikki was allegedly set ablaze by her husband and in-laws following a demand for ₹35 lakh in dowry. The case has sparked outrage and drawn attention to the persisting menace of dowry-related crimes in the country.
According to the FIR filed by Nikki’s sister, Kanchan, the victim was married to Vipin Bhati (28) in December 2016. At the time of the wedding, no dowry had been exchanged. However, over the years, Nikki allegedly faced mounting harassment from her husband and in-laws, who pressurised her family to provide ₹35 lakh.
The violence reached a horrifying climax on August 21 around 5:30 pm, when Vipin, along with his mother Daya, father Satyaveer, and brother Rohit, allegedly poured an inflammable substance on Nikki and set her on fire.
Kanchan, who also sustained injuries, rushed Nikki to Fortis Hospital, from where she was referred to Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi. Tragically, Nikki succumbed to her burn injuries while being taken to Delhi.
Speaking to reporters, a grieving Kanchan said her sister had suffered years of abuse and alleged that Nikki’s in-laws wanted her “out of the way” so Vipin could remarry. “They tortured her, hit her, and eventually killed her. Even I was assaulted and left unconscious,” she said.
Confirming the case, ADCP Greater Noida Sudhir Kumar said:
“We received information from Fortis Hospital on the night of August 21 about a woman with severe burn injuries. She was referred to Delhi but died en route. An autopsy was conducted, and the body handed over to the family.”
Police have registered an FIR under Section 103 (murder), Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While Vipin has been arrested, his parents and brother remain absconding.
Investigators are also probing whether Nikki had been subjected to prolonged dowry harassment prior to her death.
This case highlights the continued plight of women trapped in dowry-related violence, even decades after the practice was criminalised in India.
Greater Noida News:
