Woman Burnt Alive by Husband: In a deeply disturbing incident from Sirsa village, Greater Noida, a woman named Nikki Bhati, around 26–28 years old, was brutally assaulted and set on fire by her husband Vipin Bhati and in-laws over unmet dowry demands reportedly totaling ₹36 lakh. The attack occurred in the presence of her six-year-old son and elder sister, and horrific videos of the crime were captured and circulated online.
Gruesome Details of the Attack
- Nikki was dragged by her hair, slapped, doused in a flammable liquid, and set ablaze with a lighter by her husband and mother-in-law.
- The assault was witnessed by her young son, who later recounted in his own words:
“They poured something on my mother, slapped her, and set her on fire using a lighter.” - Her elder sister, Kanchan, who also resided in the same household after marrying into the family, captured part of the incident on video. She revealed that both sisters were tortured for dowry and that the in-laws specifically targeted Nikki, saying, “They said, ‘We have got dowry for one, what about the other? You are better off dead. We will marry again.’”
Medical Emergency and Nikki’s Death
- Nikki was initially admitted to Fortis Hospital and then referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, but she succumbed to her injuries on the way.
Legal Action and Police Response
- Based on her sister’s complaint, police registered a case at Kasna Police Station. Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, has been arrested, while other family members—including his mother Daya, father Satyavir, and brother Rohit—remain at large.
- During custody, Vipin attempted to escape by snatching a police officer’s pistol. In the ensuing encounter, police shot him in the leg. He’s now hospitalized under police guard.
- Vipin later attempted to manipulate public perception via social media, posting an emotional Instagram story suggesting Nikki’s death was a suicide—despite video evidence proving otherwise.
Societal Outrage and Family’s Demand for Justice
- The area has been gripped by public outrage and grief. Hundreds of people protested outside the police station demanding justice. Nikki’s father called for severe punishment, demanding the accused be “shot in an encounter” and their home razed.
Broader Context and Implications
This case highlights the grim reality of dowry-related violence in India, demonstrating how extreme financial demands can lead to unimaginable brutality. The involvement of children and the vile efforts to cloak murder as suicide further reflect societal failure in protecting women.
Quick Summary Table
Also Read: 10 Legal Rights of Women in India Everyone Should Know
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Nikki Bhati (approx. 26–28 years old) |
| Perpetrators | Husband (Vipin Bhati), mother-in-law, others at large |
| Dowry Demanded | ₹36 lakh |
| Victim’s Survivors | 6-year-old son (witness), elder sister (witness, complainant) |
| Legal Status | VIPIN arrested; others absconding |
| Additional Info | Vipin shot during escape attempt; feigned grief on social media |
| Public Reaction | Protests, calls for encounter justice |