‘Vipin’s mother used Instagram too, reels not reason for Nikki Bhati’s murder’: Investigators widen probe as mystery deepens

NEW DELHI: Fresh evidence, including a hospital memo suggesting a gas cylinder blast, CCTV footage of her husband Vipin Bhati, and several individual statements—has added new dimensions to the mystery surrounding the suspected dowry murder of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati, who was allegedly set ablaze in Greater Noida's Sirsa village on August 21.

On the other hand, the victim’s father, Bhikari Singh, rejected claims that Nikki’s killing was linked to her or her sister’s social media activity, stating, “Vipin’s mother used Instagram too; reels are not the reason for Nikki’s death.”A CCTV clip from outside a shop near the Bhati family home, reportedly captured around the time of the incident, shows a man identified by locals as Vipin standing behind a parked car, suddenly running and then quickly returning.

Moments later, an elderly man and several neighbors are seen rushing toward the house, while women appear visibly panicked.

Police stated that the footage is under investigation but emphasized that its authenticity has not yet been confirmed. "It is a part of our investigation. Whatever facts come out, action will be taken accordingly. The investigation will cover all possible angles and suitable action will follow upon its completion," additional deputy commissioner of police (Greater Noida) Sudheer Kumar said.

According to police, Nikki was beaten, doused with a flammable liquid, and set on fire at her Sirsa home, ultimately succumbing to her injuries en route to a Delhi hospital. Disturbing videos of her final moments, reportedly recorded by her elder sister Kanchan, have circulated widely online.Vipin Bhati, his parents Satveer and Daya, and brother Rohit have been arrested in connection with the case. Vipin was reportedly shot in the leg on Sunday while allegedly attempting to flee police custody.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded a time-bound investigation, strict action against the accused, and security for Nikki’s family and witnesses.Her family alleges that Nikki was subjected to torture over dowry demands since her 2016 marriage, despite having provided a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, and jewellery. They further claim she was later pressured to provide Rs 36 lakh and a luxury car. The memo from the private hospital where Nikki was first admitted states in Hindi: "Ghar par gas cylinder fatne se mareej ko kaafi gambheer roop se jal gaya hai" (The patient has suffered severe burn injuries due to a gas cylinder explosion at home.)" The report adds that Nikki was brought in by Devendra, a relative (her maternal aunt’s son), and was in critical condition.However, according to the FIR, Kanchan alleged that Nikki was deliberately set on fire. She stated that both she and Nikki had married according to Hindu rituals “without any dowry” and accused Vipin and his family of attacking her sister. "My mother-in-law Daya gave Vipin a flammable item, then Vipin poured it on my sister Nikki," Kanchan stated.

"When I objected, they beat me, and at that moment, my husband Rohit, mother-in-law Daya, and father-in-law Satveer were present." Kanchan added, "The incident was at about 5:30 pm on August 21. The condition of my sister was serious, so with the help of a neighbour, I took her to Fortis Hospital, Acchher, Greater Noida. From there, she was referred to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi." Devendra, Vipin's cousin, said that Vipin and his father were at the shop around 5:45pm.

"I saw Vipin, he ran very fast towards home and returned very soon. He told me about the incident," he said. "After that I took Nikki to Fortis hospital, along with Vipin's father and mother. In the car, Nikki was only asking for water. She was also saying that she was feeling suffocated," Devendra added, noting that the CCTV footage corroborated Vipin's presence at the shop moments earlier.Meanwhile, Nikki’s father, Bhikari Singh, has demanded the strictest possible punishment for Vipin. "Their house should be bulldozed and he should be hanged," Singh said, appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath for justice. He also rejected allegations that Nikki's killing was linked to her and her sister's social media activity, claiming, "Vipin's mother used Instagram too, reels are not the reason for the killing of Nikki." About the sisters' beauty parlour, Singh added: "I gave Rs 1.5 lakh to my daughters to open a beauty parlour.

My daughters were running the parlour and educating their children." The FIR in the case was filed at Kasna police station on August 22 under Sections 103(1) (murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 61(2) (attempt to commit offences punishable with life imprisonment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.Police stated that all leads, including the hospital memo, FIR statements, and CCTV footage, are being thoroughly investigated.(With inputs from agencies)