Fresh Twist in Nikki Bhati Dowry Death Case

The high-profile dowry death case of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has taken a dramatic turn with counter-allegations from her sister-in-law, Meenakshi, who claims she faced physical assault and dowry harassment from Nikki’s family. The accusations, reported on August 27, 2025, add complexity to the ongoing investigation into Nikki’s death, which has sparked nationwide outrage over dowry-related violence.

Meenakshi, 31, married to Nikki’s elder brother Rohit Payla since 2016, alleged relentless abuse at her in-laws’ home in Sirsa village. Speaking from her parents’ home in Palla village, Dadri, she claimed she endured humiliation from day one, with Rohit, his mother, and sisters Nikki and Kanchan physically assaulting her. “I could not live peacefully for a single day,” she said, alleging she was barred from using a phone or contacting others. Meenakshi claimed her family provided a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and 31 tola of gold as dowry, but Rohit demanded a Scorpio SUV and additional cash within a week, taunting her about remarriage.

In 2020, Meenakshi filed an FIR against Rohit’s family, supported by her brother Deepak Bhati, alleging dowry harassment and assault, including a claim that Rohit fired a shot at her brother. A village panchayat proposed a Rs 35 lakh settlement to resolve the dispute, but Meenakshi’s mother stated the money was never paid, and the harassment persisted. Meenakshi’s family remained silent initially due to societal pressures but accepted her back, hoping for reconciliation.

Also Read: Noida Dowry Murder or Suicide: New Twists in Nikki Bhati Case

Nikki Bhati died on August 21, 2025, from severe burn injuries, allegedly set ablaze by her husband Vipin Bhati and his family over a Rs 36 lakh dowry demand. Vipin, his parents Satveer and Daya, and brother Rohit were arrested, charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for murder, voluntarily causing hurt, and attempting serious offenses. Vipin was shot in the leg on August 24 after allegedly attempting to escape custody.

Nikki’s sister Kanchan, also married into the Bhati family, filed the FIR, alleging persistent dowry harassment since their 2016 weddings, despite providing a Scorpio SUV, motorcycle, and jewelry. Disturbing videos, reportedly filmed by Kanchan, show Nikki being assaulted, dragged by her hair, and limping down stairs in flames. A hospital memo suggested a gas cylinder explosion, while Vipin’s cousin Devendra reported Nikki’s distress. CCTV footage placing Vipin outside the home and a video showing Daya intervening in a fight are under scrutiny.

Meenakshi’s allegations shift focus to Nikki’s family, particularly Rohit and Bhikhari Singh Payla, who have demanded “harshest punishment” for Vipin’s family. Bhikhari rejected claims that Nikki’s social media activity or beauty parlor business triggered the incident, emphasizing his support for her independence. Police are investigating multiple leads, including a prior assault case against Vipin from October 2024, and have recorded statements from both families. Greater Noida ADCP Sudhir Kumar dismissed Meenakshi’s claims as unverified, urging evidence be presented directly to police rather than media.

The case, drawing parallels to other regional crises like the Patna school tragedy, highlights the persistent scourge of dowry violence, with 35,493 dowry-related deaths in India from 2017-2022 per NCRB data. Meenakshi’s counter-allegations complicate the narrative, raising questions about systemic family disputes and the effectiveness of India’s Dowry Prohibition Act. As the investigation unfolds, the demand for justice from both sides underscores the need for stronger enforcement and societal reform to combat dowry practices.

Also Read: Another UP Woman Burnt Over Dowry Demands