Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Days after 26-year-old Nikki Bhati was burnt alive in her matrimonial home in Greater Noida, new claims have surfaced, deepening the ongoing dowry murder investigation. Nikki’s estranged sister-in-law has defended her husband’s family while levelling dowry allegations against Nikki’s own father, a charge he has firmly denied.
Sister-In-Law’s Shocking Allegation
Nikki’s sister-in-law, married to Rohit (brother of Nikki’s husband Vipin), stated she did not believe Nikki’s in-laws were guilty. Instead, she claimed she was herself subjected to dowry harassment by Nikki’s parents. “My in-laws used to beat me for dowry. I spent nine years there, but for the last 14 months I’ve been at my own home. In a panchayat, Nikki’s parents were asked to pay me Rs 35 lakh, but they never did. I never met Nikki’s in-laws… I want justice,” she said.
Father Strongly Refutes Claim
Responding to these allegations, Nikki’s father, Bhikhari Singh Payla, dismissed them as false. He said, “My son never lifted his hand on her. Does it ever happen that a family comes to drop their daughter off at home and then attack her family? I have all the evidence. Our doors are always open for her.” He reiterated that dowry harassment from Nikki’s in-laws, not his own family, led to his daughter’s tragic death.
Murder Investigation Intensifies
Nikki, married to Vipin in 2016, died on August 21 after sustaining 70% burns. Shocking videos shared online showed her being dragged and then engulfed in flames. Her family said they had already given a Scorpio SUV, motorcycle, and gold at marriage, but later faced demands for Rs 36 lakh and a luxury car. Vipin, his brother Rohit, and parents Daya and Satyavir have been arrested. Vipin was shot in the leg while allegedly attempting to escape custody.
Fresh Examination Of Witness
Police investigators are now preparing to re-question Nikki’s sister Kanchan, whose statement is key to the case. Authorities aim to clarify the chain of events leading up to the evening of August 21, when Nikki was brutally attacked and set on fire.
