NOIDA: The family of 32-year-old Nikki Bhati, who died after being allegedly set on fire at her in-laws’ home in Sirsa, has urged authorities to ensure the harshest punishment for those responsible.
On Friday, Nikki’s father Bhikhari Singh Payala and other family members met Noida police commissioner Laxmi Singh, pressing for a speedy probe and strict action. “We requested the commissioner that the culprits should get the harshest punishment. She assured us that no one will be spared and strict action will be taken,” Bhikhari Singh told reporters.
Nikki’s brother, Atul Payala, added that the police chief had assured them the chargesheet would be filed soon and the case would be taken up in a fast-track court.
Case Draws State Attention
The case has also caught the eye of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission. On Wednesday, commission member Meenakshi Bharala visited Nikki’s family in Dadri’s Roopwas village before meeting commissioner Singh, demanding a thorough and time-bound investigation.
Allegations of Torture
The incident took place on August 21, when Nikki sustained fatal burn injuries at her in-laws’ home. In her complaint, Nikki’s sister Kanchan alleged that she had been tortured for dowry and eventually set ablaze.
Police have arrested Nikki’s husband Vipin, father-in-law Satveer, mother-in-law Daya, and brother-in-law Rohit. Investigators say multiple angles are being probed, including allegations that Nikki faced harassment over her decision to continue her beauty parlour business and post videos on Instagram.
According to family members, the couple had been married for nearly a decade, but tensions escalated recently. On the day of the incident, Kanchan alleged that her own husband thrashed her for recording a video for social media.
New Videos Emerge
Two videos are now part of the probe: one allegedly showing Vipin standing outside the house at the time of the incident, and another—believed to have been shot by Kanchan—in which a woman’s voice can be heard asking Nikki, “Yeh kya kar liya (What have you done)?”
Police officials said more people are being questioned. “We are questioning more people and collecting evidence. The probe will be concluded soon,” a senior officer said.
