The investigation into the tragic death of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has taken a dramatic turn with the discovery of an inflammable substance in her room and new video clips, prompting police to re-evaluate the events of August 21. The case, initially pegged as a dowry-related murder, now faces questions about whether Nikki’s death was a deliberate act or a possible self-immolation.

Police recovered an inflammable solution from Nikki’s room, sent for forensic analysis, which could indicate alternative scenarios. Multiple short video clips circulating online are under scrutiny, including one filmed by Nikki’s sister, Kanchan, where a voice is heard saying, “Yeh kya kar liya (what have you done)?” Another clip shows Nikki’s mother-in-law, Daya Bhati, seemingly intervening in a fight between Nikki and her husband, Vipin Bhati. Kanchan, married to Vipin’s brother Rohit, filed the FIR and claimed she tried to stop the attack. Her statement is now being re-examined, with around a dozen accounts from both families recorded.

CCTV footage places Vipin outside a shop near their Sirsa village home at 5:45 PM on August 21, around the time Nikki was allegedly set ablaze, raising doubts about his direct involvement. Additional DCP Sudheer Kumar emphasized, “The investigation will cover all angles, and action will follow verified facts.” Police are also probing a 2024 assault case against Vipin and his associate Tushar in Jarcha, where they allegedly attacked a woman and stole her phone, indicating a history of violence.

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Nikki, found with 70% burn injuries, died en route to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. A hospital memo initially cited a “gas cylinder explosion,” supported by Vipin’s cousin Devendra, who claims he rushed Nikki to Fortis Hospital with her in-laws. Devendra noted Nikki’s requests for water and complaints of suffocation, consistent with burn victim distress. However, Kanchan’s FIR alleges Vipin, Daya, Rohit, and father-in-law Satyavir beat Nikki and set her ablaze over dowry demands, including Rs 36 lakh and a luxury car, despite earlier gifts of a Scorpio SUV and motorcycle in their 2016 marriage.

All four accused are in custody, with Vipin shot in the leg on August 25 after attempting to flee while being taken to recover discarded inflammable liquid bottles. Showing no remorse, he claimed, “She died on her own. Husband-wife fights are common.” Nikki’s father, Bhikari Singh, demands the death penalty, dismissing claims that Nikki’s social media reels or beauty parlour plans triggered the incident. He insists dowry harassment was the sole motive, having funded their parlour with Rs 1.5 lakh.

A funeral video showing Satyavir lighting Nikki’s pyre contradicts claims that the in-laws fled, adding complexity. The case, filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for murder, hurt, and conspiracy at Kasna police station, has sparked public outrage, with calls for justice echoing across Uttar Pradesh. Police continue to cross-check timelines and verify evidence to uncover the truth behind this horrific tragedy.

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