Third Arrest in Brutal Noida Dowry Murder Case

In a significant development in the Greater Noida dowry murder case, the Uttar Pradesh Police arrested the brother-in-law of Nikki Bhati, a 28-year-old woman killed in a horrific dowry-related attack, on Monday morning. This marks the third arrest in the case, following the apprehension of Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, on Saturday, and her mother-in-law, Daya Bhati, on Sunday, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Nikki Bhati was allegedly assaulted and set on fire at her in-laws’ home in Sirsa village on August 21, 2025, over dowry demands. She succumbed to her injuries while being transferred to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. The police stated that the incident was triggered by a dispute over Nikki’s desire to reopen her beauty parlor and her posting of reels on Instagram. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Nikki’s sister, Kanchan, who is married to Vipin’s brother Rohit, the family subjected Nikki to years of abuse over dowry demands amounting to ₹36 lakh, despite receiving substantial gifts, including a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, and gold at the time of her 2016 marriage.

Vipin Bhati, the primary accused, was injured in a police encounter after attempting to flee custody and was sent to 14-day judicial custody. Disturbing videos, reportedly recorded by Kanchan, surfaced online, showing Vipin and Daya assaulting Nikki, with one clip capturing Nikki engulfed in flames while descending a staircase. Nikki’s six-year-old son witnessed the attack, later recounting to police how his mother was doused with a flammable substance and set ablaze.

Speaking to ANI from his hospital bed, Vipin denied responsibility, claiming Nikki “died on her own” and that marital disputes were common. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with Nikki’s family and local residents demanding justice. The police continue to search for Vipin’s father, Satyavir Bhati, who remains at large.