The tragic death of Nikki Bhati from Greater Noida now raises several questions. Uttar Pradesh police reports clearly state dowry death. But the events hint that the dispute wasn't just confined to demands for money and a luxury car. Tensions over Nikki's involvement in beauty parlors, Instagram reels, and her activity on social media were on the rise between her and her husband Vipin Bhati.
In 2016, Nikki Bhati, then 28, was married to Vipin. Her sister Kanchan was also married in the same household to Rohit Bhati. At the time of Nikki’s wedding, dowry including jewelry and a Scorpio vehicle was given. But it is alleged that the in-laws' greed escalated. Vipin, his older brother, and their parents continuously pressured Nikki for 3.5 million INR and a car.
Nikki and her sister Kanchan ran a beauty parlor. Additionally, they created Instagram reels on social media. This added another layer of conflict. Sources suggest Vipin and his brother objected to making reels. The argument flared up on February 11, causing both sisters to return to their parental home. On March 18, a community meeting was held, and it was decided that the sisters would cease making reels.
When Nikki and Kanchan resumed the parlor and started making reels again, the conflict ignited once more. However, Nikki’s father denies that this led to her murder, insisting dowry was the real reason. The FIR in this case also mentions that the in-laws pressured Nikki for dowry. Upon refusal, she was reportedly burned alive.
Neighbors have made startling claims. They state there was ongoing conflict in the Bhati family over Nikki and Kanchan's social media activities. The sisters were active on Instagram, posting makeover-related reels, a sore point for their husbands Vipin and Rohit Bhati.
Neighbor's Claim: Both Sisters Made Makeover Reels
A neighbor disclosed, "They both made makeover-related reels for social media. Rohit and Vipin disapproved entirely. They opposed constantly, creating tension at home." Villager Rishabh revealed that the social media dispute escalated on March 11.
On that day, Nikki and Kanchan had a fierce argument with their husbands. Conditions deteriorated so much that both sisters left for their parental home. Rishabh added, "A community meeting followed, ruling that Nikki and Kanchan would no longer make Instagram reels. They returned to their in-laws' place on March 18 but soon began making reels again."
Dispute Over Opening the Parlor Between Nikki and Vipin
On August 21 in the afternoon, an argument erupted between Nikki and Vipin over opening the parlor. In anger, Vipin assaulted Nikki. Nikki's six-year-old son is also saying that his father set his mother on fire with a lighter. This statement is now a crucial part of the police investigation. In this incident, Kanchan filed a case against Vipin, Rohit, father-in-law Satvir, and mother-in-law Dayawati.
Source: aajtak
All accused are in police custody. Cases under sections 103 (murder), 115 (intentional injury), and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code have been registered. Police also encountered Vipin Bhati, as he tried to escape custody. He was shot in the leg and severely injured. On Sunday, the court sent him for a 14-day judicial custody.
Viral Videos of Nikki on Social Media
Several videos and footage have emerged in this case. An old video shows Vipin assaulting Nikki. In another, Nikki is seen engulfed in flames while descending stairs. Viral footage on social media records Nikki's sister’s voice exclaiming, "What have you done?" although it’s unclear who set the fire.
Meanwhile, Nikki’s husband Vipin’s lifestyle is also under scrutiny. He boasted of connections with politicians and police, driving a red-beacon white Scorpio, and posted farmhouse party videos on Instagram. On the other hand, Nikki ran the parlor for her expenses and to support her child, with her sister Kanchan’s assistance.
...So Was This the Root of Nikki and Vipin's Dispute?
Another angle of this case has surfaced. It is claimed that the 3.5 million INR wasn’t dowry but related to a compromise over a family dispute regarding a relative's affair. Nikki's brother had an affair elsewhere, abandoning his wife. A settlement meeting was held, where Satvir Bhati mediated an agreement to pay 3.5 million INR. This too was a source of controversy.
Source: aajtak
The deceased Nikki's father Bhikhari Singh mentioned that social pressure forced them to repeatedly send their daughters to their in-law's house despite their lives becoming miserable. Vipin Bhati neither worked nor took responsibility for the family. Instead, he seized the parlor’s earnings and often assaulted their daughter. He dismissed the notion that social media presence was the cause of conflict.
