Greater Noida: Woman killed in shocking case of domestic violence
In a chilling case of domestic violence, 28-year-old Nikki Bhati was allegedly set afire by her husband, Vipin Bhati, at their Kasna residence on August 21, police said on Sunday. The incident followed a heated argument over Nikki’s wish to reopen her beauty parlour and her activity on Instagram, which her husband opposed.
Vipin, who was arrested soon after, reportedly told police that he had “no remorse” over the act, describing marital disputes as “normal.” Nikki succumbed to severe burn injuries later the same day at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted from two private hospitals.
Husband injured while trying to escape police
Police said that on Sunday, while being taken to recover the flammable material used in the crime, Vipin attempted to flee by snatching a police pistol. In retaliatory fire, he was shot in the leg and later admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Later in the evening, Nikki’s mother-in-law, Daya Bhati (55), was also arrested in connection with the case.
Dispute over reels and beauty parlour
Investigators said the confrontation began when Nikki expressed her plan to reopen the parlour she had once run with her sister Kanchan. Vipin objected, saying their family did not allow women to post reels on Instagram or run such businesses.
“Investigation revealed that around 3.30 pm, Nikki told Vipin that she and her sister would reopen the parlour. When he refused, Nikki insisted that no one could stop them. The issue turned ugly, and Vipin started assaulting her,” said Kasna SHO Dharmendra Shukla.
Nikki and Kanchan were active on social media under the handle “Makeover by Kannchan”, with more than 54,000 followers. Their videos had amassed over 2.9 million views.
Family alleges dowry harassment
Nikki’s family alleged that the killing was linked to dowry demands, which had continued since her marriage in December 2016.
Her brother Rohit Gurjar said the family had invested ₹8 lakh in the sisters’ parlour after Nikki faced repeated financial demands from her in-laws. “They were unemployed and even damaged the parlour earlier this year. Nikki returned home multiple times due to dowry disputes,” he alleged.
The family added that both sisters were independently supporting their children without seeking money from their husbands.
Horrifying videos emerge
Videos recorded on August 21 surfaced on social media, showing Vipin pouring a liquid, believed to be thinner used in the parlour, on Nikki before setting her ablaze. Other clips showed him assaulting her and Nikki engulfed in flames while trying to escape down the stairs.
Family members said they asked Kanchan to film the abuse to gather evidence of years of harassment.
Police register murder case
Police registered a case at Kasna police station under Section 103 (murder), Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Vipin, his father Satyaveer Bhati, mother-in-law Daya Bhati, and brother-in-law Rohit Bhati. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused.
Investigators confirmed that Vipin admitted to strongly opposing the beauty parlour business and social media activity of his wife.
Public outrage and demand for justice
Following Nikki’s death, her sister Kanchan, who also married into the same household, launched a “Justice for Nikki” campaign on social media. The case has sparked outrage, with activists and netizens demanding strict action against the accused.
Family members said Kanchan has now returned to her parental home with her children after the incident.