Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The brutal death of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has reignited nationwide outrage against the dowry system. Despite dowry being outlawed in India for six decades, Nikki was allegedly set ablaze by her husband Vipin Bhati and mother-in-law Daya over a demand for ₹36 lakh. Her father’s chilling response to questions about dowry reflects the deep gap between law and social reality.
Dowry Demands And Tragic Death
Bhikari Singh Payla, Nikki’s father, admitted that marriages in their clan are arranged through dowry mediators. “I had married off my daughter well. The wedding happened during demonetisation in 2016,” he said, revealing that the family had given a Scorpio SUV, gold, and cash during the wedding of his daughters Nikki and Kanchan to brothers Vipin and Rohit Bhati. Over time, the demands escalated — from vehicles and motorcycles to an astronomical ₹36 lakh in cash. On Janmashtami last week, Nikki was allegedly assaulted again, and days later, after another fight, Vipin and his mother reportedly set her ablaze.
Father’s Devastating Testimony
In a heartbreaking recount, Bhikari Singh said: “They burned her alive and the entire family fled. One of my daughters was burning, the other had fainted. A neighbour rushed her to Fortis hospital, but she was later referred to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. We reached the gates, and she breathed her last. I have lost everything. I lost my daughter, what is left now?” Nikki’s seven-year-old son, who witnessed the horrifying scene, now lives with his grandparents. “He cries every evening, saying, ‘They burnt my mother’,” Mr Singh shared.
Justice And Larger Questions
Despite knowing about the abuse, Nikki’s family said they allowed her to stay back at her in-laws’ house due to pressure from the community. “We need to listen to our samaj and clan members,” her father explained, while demanding justice: “I request PM Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath to ensure they are hanged.” Nikki and her sister had tried to achieve independence by opening a beauty parlour and boutique, but their unemployed husbands allegedly stole from their earnings, leading to frequent fights and, ultimately, Nikki’s death.
