Father-in-Law Arrested in Greater Noida Dowry Murder Case; Victim’s Family Demands Justice

Greater Noida, August 25: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday arrested the father-in-law of Nikki Bhati, marking the fourth arrest in the dowry murder case that has sparked outrage in Greater Noida. Earlier, police had taken into custody her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law.

Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, accused of setting her on fire, was injured during a police encounter on Sunday and later admitted to a hospital. He has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody. Police said Nikki succumbed to severe burn injuries after repeated incidents of domestic assault.

Despite the charges, Vipin denied any wrongdoing. “I did not kill her. She died on her own. Husband and wife often fight; it is common,” he told ANI.

The victim’s father, however, alleged that his daughter was murdered for dowry. He said Nikki had suffered 70 percent burns and died at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. “They demanded ₹35 lakh and later asked for her earnings. Her husband should be hanged. I request the Court and CM to give him the death penalty,” he said.

He further alleged that Nikki was harassed since her marriage in 2016. “Her mother-in-law poured kerosene, and her husband set her on fire. They demanded a car and tortured her. We once brought her back home due to violence, but she was sent again after promises that things would change. Now they have got what they wanted,” he said.

On Sunday, Nikki’s family staged a protest outside Kasana Police Station demanding strict action. The incident has also triggered political reactions, with Samajwadi Party women’s wing chief Juhi Singh demanding the “strictest punishment” for the accused. “There are laws against crimes targeting women, but the government is not implementing them. Parents must empower their daughters and raise their voices for justice,” she said.