Greater Noida: In a shocking turn of events, Vipin (28) from Sirsa Village, Greater Noida, was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, 26-year-old Nikki Bhati, over dowry demands. Just hours before his arrest in the early hours of Saturday—around 1 a.m.—Vipin posted a grief-stricken Instagram story, attempting to portray Nikki’s death as a suicide by writing, “Why didn’t you tell me what had happened? Why did you leave me? The world is calling me a killer, Nikki.” A subsequent post featured the couple smiling with their young son, captioned, “I am devastated. I am left with nothing.” This social media performance took place even as evidence pointed to foul play.

Social media manipulation shocks netizens

Vipin’s emotional posts were clearly calculated to mislead the public and deflect suspicions away from him. Viewers were taken in by what appeared to be genuine expressions of grief—only to learn that the narrative was a façade, peddled mere hours before his arrest.

Allegations: Dowry torment ends in horrifying murder

Nikki’s elder sister, Kanchan, revealed a chilling backstory of relentless dowry harassment: despite investing in a Scorpio car, the in-laws continued demanding ₹36 lakh. On Thursday night, Vipin and family members allegedly assaulted Nikki in the presence of her sister and son, doused her with an inflammable liquid, and set her ablaze. Nikki later succumbed to her injuries while being transferred from Fortis Hospital, Noida, to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.

Voices from those who witnessed the horror

  • Kanchan (sister): “We were being tortured, our in-laws kept demanding more—even after the Scorpio, they wanted ₹36 lakh…” She recounted being assaulted herself between 1:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. that day. That same evening, Nikki was assaulted in front of her, then doused in flammable liquid and set on fire. She tried to save her sister, but lost consciousness.

  • Nikki’s son: “They poured something on mumma, slapped her, and then set her on fire using a lighter.” When asked if his father did it, the boy nodded silently.

    • Legal progress: Arrest made, investigation ongoing

    Following Nikki’s death, a murder case was registered at Kasna Police Station based on Kanchan’s complaint. Vipin has been arrested, while his parents and brother—also named in the FIR—remain at large as the police intensify their search operations.

    Wider context: Dowry-related violence continues to plague India

    This harrowing incident underscores the persistent and deadly problem of dowry-related violence in India, a social ill that still claims lives despite legal deterrents. The manipulation of social media to deflect public scrutiny adds another distressing layer to this crime, highlighting both the emotional and performative dimensions perpetrators may exploit before being held accountable.