Police in Greater Noida have arrested all four in-laws of Nikki Bhati, 28, who died after being set on fire at her home on August 21. Those arrested include her husband Vipin Bhati, 30, brother-in-law Rohit Bhati, father-in-law Satyaveer Bhati, and mother-in-law Daya Bhati. Vipin is in 14-day judicial custody.
The police said the incident occurred following a fight over Nikki posting reels on Instagram and wanting to reopen a beauty parlour that she ran with her sister Kanchan. Both sisters were married into the Bhati family in 2016 and reportedly suffered repeated abuse, including beatings, dowry demands, and harassment, throughout their marriage.
According to police, Vipin Bhati poured an inflammable liquid on Nikki and set her on fire inside the house. She was rushed to multiple hospitals and eventually died at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Witnesses, including her sister Kanchan and her six-year-old son, confirmed the attack. Police have registered a case under murder, voluntarily causing hurt, and criminal conspiracy.
Investigations revealed that Nikki and Kanchan had been seeking financial independence by reopening their parlour. The husband opposed this, which allegedly triggered the attack. The sisters had previously faced years of abuse despite providing dowry gifts, including a car, gold, and cash. Family members claim the in-laws had continued to demand more money and property over the years.
A video showing parts of the assault and the fire has surfaced on social media, capturing Vipin attacking Nikki while Kanchan tried to intervene. The visuals have shocked the nation and are now key evidence in the case.
Following public outrage, Kanchan launched the “Justice for Nikki” campaign online, highlighting the abuse both sisters faced and demanding strict action against the Bhati family.
The family has demanded the highest possible punishment and proper action against all accused, while the case continues to unfold under close police supervision.
