Noida Dowry Death: Funeral Video of Nikki Bhati’s In-Laws Challenges Sister’s Allegation

The alleged dowry death of Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has taken a new twist with the emergence of a funeral video, raising doubts about earlier claims made by her family. The 28-year-old woman’s death on August 21 in Sirsa village has shaken the region and sparked renewed outrage over dowry-related crimes.

The Allegations by Nikki’s Sister

According to Nikki’s sister, Kanchan Bhati, she witnessed a horrifying attack where Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, along with his family, allegedly assaulted her over dowry demands. Kanchan claimed they poured a flammable liquid on Nikki and set her ablaze. She told police that while she tried to save her sister, she fainted during the assault. Upon regaining consciousness, she saw Nikki critically burned and alleged that the in-laws had fled. Based on this statement, an FIR was filed, charging Vipin, his parents, and his brother under dowry harassment and murder sections.

The Funeral Video That Changed the Narrative

The case took an unexpected turn when a video from Nikki’s funeral surfaced. In the footage, Vipin’s father can be clearly seen performing the last rites, including lighting the pyre. This directly challenges the earlier claim that the in-laws had absconded immediately after the incident.

Nikki’s brother, Vicky Payla, told Hindustan Times: “When we brought her body back to our home in Dadri, her in-laws asked multiple times to be allowed to perform the last rites. They expressed it as their final wish, and after some initial reluctance, we gave our consent."

Family sources revealed that Kanchan herself had urged her family to give the in-laws “one more chance”, pointing out that they had already been given “numerous chances” over the years.

Investigators Reassessing the Timeline

The video has now pushed investigators to re-examine the sequence of events. Police are scanning CCTV footage from the area to determine the whereabouts of the accused family members. One clip from a nearby shop allegedly shows Vipin outside the house around the time of the incident, raising further questions about his involvement.

A senior officer involved in the case said the family initially attempted to portray Nikki’s burns as a result of a gas cylinder explosion. “Doctors and police were told she suffered injuries from a kitchen accident. But it became clear thinner had been used to set her on fire," the officer told Hindustan Times.

Current Status of the Case

Police have arrested Vipin, his brother Rohit, and their parents. They are currently in 14-day judicial custody. The charges include murder, attempt to murder, and dowry harassment under the Indian Penal Code and the Dowry Prohibition Act. Vipin was also injured during his arrest after being shot in the leg when he allegedly tried to snatch a policeman’s weapon.

A Case Full of Contradictions

The conflicting narratives - from Kanchan’s testimony to the video evidence of the funeral - have made the case even more complex. With investigations still underway, authorities are working to piece together what really happened on that tragic day in Sirsa village.