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In the footage, Vipin’s father is seen performing Nikki’s last rites and lighting the pyre—challenging the claim that the in-laws had absconded immediately after the incident
The emergence of the funeral video has prompted investigators to reassess the timeline of events, with police saying authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity. (Screenshot)
The investigation into the alleged dowry death of Nikki Bhati has taken a dramatic turn after a video surfaced which showed some of her in-laws at her funeral and the 28-year-old’s father-in-law playing a key role in her last rites—contradicting the claim by her sister that the family had fled after the crime.
On August 21, Nikki Bhati was reportedly set on fire at her home in Sirsa village, Greater Noida. According to her sister Kanchan Bhati, who claims to have witnessed the incident, Nikki’s husband Vipin Bhati and his family physically assaulted her over dowry demands and then poured a flammable substance on her before setting her ablaze.
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In her statement to the police, Kanchan said she tried to intervene but lost consciousness during the attack. When she awoke, she said Nikki was severely burned and the in-laws had fled the scene. Based on her statement, an FIR was registered under sections of dowry harassment and murder, implicating Vipin, his parents, and his brother.
However, a video of Nikki’s funeral appears to challenge the version of events. In the footage, Vipin’s father is clearly seen performing the last rites and lighting the funeral pyre—casting doubt on the claim that the in-laws had absconded immediately after the incident.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Nikki’s brother Vicky Payla had said on Sunday: “When we brought her body back to our home in Dadri, her in-laws asked multiple times to be allowed to perform the last rites. They expressed it as their final wish, and after some initial reluctance, we gave our consent.”
Sources said the family consented to hand over Nikki’s body to her in-laws after Kanchan urged that they be given “one more chance”, referencing the “numerous chances” extended to the in-laws over the years.
The emergence of the funeral video has prompted investigators to reassess the timeline of events, with police saying authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity and verifying the movements of all involved parties.
One such video, obtained from a local shop near the Bhati residence, reportedly shows Vipin Bhati outside the house around the time of the alleged incident. This has led to questions about whether he was present when the incident occurred.
A police official involved in the probe also said the family initially tried to pass off Nikki’s burns as the result of a cylinder blast. “Doctors and police were told she suffered injuries from a kitchen accident. But it became clear thinner had been used to set her on fire,” the officer was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Vipin, Rohit and their parents have been arrested and sent to 14-day judicial custody. The charges against them include murder, attempt to murder, and dowry harassment under the Indian Penal Code and the Dowry Prohibition Act. Vipin was also shot in the leg after he tried to snatch a policeman’s pistol.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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