The mother-in-law of Nikki Bhati, a 28-year-old woman brutally set ablaze over a ₹36 lakh dowry demand in Greater Noida, was arrested on Sunday, police confirmed. Dayavati, 55, was apprehended near a private hospital by the Kasna police, following the arrest of Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, on Saturday. Bhati, the prime accused, was shot in the leg by police around 1:30 pm Sunday after attempting to flee during a routine medical check, according to Gautam Buddh Nagar Police PRO.
The horrific crime unfolded on August 21 in Sirsa village, where Nikki was assaulted and set on fire, allegedly by Vipin and Dayavati, in front of her six-year-old son. Disturbing videos recorded by Nikki’s sister Kanchan, who is married to Vipin’s brother Rohit, show Vipin dragging Nikki by her hair and a burning Nikki stumbling down a staircase before collapsing. She succumbed to 70% burn injuries en route to Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, after initial treatment at Fortis Hospital.
Kanchan alleged years of dowry-related torture, stating, “They demanded ₹36 lakh, beat her on the neck and head, threw acid, and set her ablaze.” Despite their family providing a Scorpio SUV, a Royal Enfield bike, cash, and gold at the 2016 wedding, the in-laws’ demands persisted. Kanchan, also assaulted, said the family wanted Nikki gone for Vipin’s remarriage. Nikki’s father, Bhikari Singh Payla, demanded the accused be “shot in an encounter” and their house razed.
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A case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for murder, causing hurt, and conspiracy was filed against Vipin, Dayavati, father-in-law Satyavir, and brother-in-law Rohit, who remain absconding. Social media posts on X, including from @PTI_News and @BhaktBusters, confirmed Dayavati’s arrest, with users like @Justice4Nikki demanding swift justice for the “heinous dowry killing.” The case has reignited debates on India’s persistent dowry menace, with 6,400 dowry deaths reported in 2022 per NCRB data.
Also Read: Greater Noida Man Arrested for Wife’s Brutal Dowry Murder