Four days after 28-year-old Nikki Bhati was allegedly killed by her husband and in-laws in a dowry-related murder, the Uttar Pradesh police have arrested all four accused. The case, which involves chilling details of Bhati being set on fire in front of her sister and young son, has led to widespread outrage and protests.
Details of the Arrests
Noida police have confirmed the arrests of Nikki’s husband Vipin Bhati, her father-in-law Satyaveer Bhati, her mother-in-law Daya Bhati, and her brother-in-law Rohit. Vipin Bhati was the first to be taken into custody on Saturday. He was later shot in the leg while trying to escape police custody and has been sent to judicial remand for 14 days. He reportedly showed “no remorse” for the incident.
The three other accused were also arrested and have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days. Daya Bhati was arrested on Sunday after absconding, and Satyaveer Bhati was taken into custody on Monday. Rohit, Nikki’s brother-in-law, was arrested after a police tip-off. Both Satyaveer and Rohit have been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder and other related offenses.
The Events Leading to the Tragedy
Nikki Bhati and her sister, Kanchan, both married into the Bhati family in 2016. According to reports, the family began to abuse the sisters over dowry shortly after the marriage. While Nikki reportedly endured years of assault, the violence escalated on August 21 after she expressed her desire to reopen her beauty parlor. This triggered a fight with her husband, Vipin.
The incident came to light after disturbing videos and witness testimonies from Nikki’s son and sister surfaced online. The videos show Nikki being physically assaulted and dragged before being set on fire. She was seen walking down a staircase while ablaze before she collapsed. She later died from her burns while being taken to the hospital.