Dowry, online swag or affair: How conflicting claims shrouded Nikki Bhati's violent death – a timeline in photos

Nikki married Vipin Bhati in a lavish double wedding with her sister Kanchan. A Scorpio, gold and gifts were given. Soon after, demands for more money and luxury cars followed.

Over the years, Nikki and Kanchan opened a beauty parlour, but the in-laws took away their earnings. Disputes over money and Nikki’s social media activity worsened tensions.

Vipin’s drinking habit grew, and he was allegedly involved in an affair with another woman. Fights increased, and Nikki was forced to shut down her parlour under family pressure.

According to Kanchan, mother-in-law Daya handed kerosene to Vipin, who poured it on Nikki and set her on fire. Their five-year-old son witnessed the attack.

Badly burnt, Nikki was rushed to Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida and then referred to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. She died the same night of severe burns.

Police filed an FIR on Kanchan’s complaint against Vipin, his mother Daya, father Satveer, and brother Rohit under charges of murder, assault, and conspiracy.

Vipin was arrested, and mother-in-law Daya was also taken into custody. Satveer and Rohit went on the run as police launched a manhunt.

While in police custody, Vipin allegedly snatched a pistol and tried to flee. Police fired and hit him in the leg. He was hospitalised but declared stable.

Vipin, Daya, Satveer, and Rohit all were arrested. Police continue to probe dowry harassment, domestic violence, and Vipin’s alleged affair.

Nikki’s family demands strictest punishment.

Nikki’s father, Bhikhari Singh, demanded strict action: “They are butchers. They don’t deserve to live. Their house should be bulldozed. I want an encounter.”

Vipin's cousin, Devendra, claimed Nikki's burns may have resulted from a cylinder blast in the kitchen rather than an assault. He stated that he, along with Vipin’s parents, rushed her to the hospital. The conflicting narratives of assault versus an accident are now under scrutiny.