News Desk – The ongoing investigation into the suspected dowry death of Nikki Bhati has taken a dramatic turn after her sister-in-law, Meenakshi, accused Nikki’s family members of physical assault and dowry harassment.
Meenakshi, who married Nikki’s elder brother Rohit in 2016, claimed she faced humiliation and abuse from day one of her marriage. She alleged she was not allowed to use a phone, speak freely, and was beaten by Rohit, her mother-in-law, Nikki, and Kanchan.
She said her father had already given a Ciaz car and gold jewellery during the wedding, but the in-laws demanded a new Scorpio within a week and more cash.
“They would taunt me, saying Rohit didn’t like me and they would get him remarried,” she told reporters.
In 2020, after an alleged assault, a case was registered against Rohit’s family. A village panchayat reportedly suggested returning ₹35 lakh the amount Meenakshi’s family claimed to have spent on the wedding or accepting her back as a daughter-in-law. Nikki’s father-in-law, Satveer Singh, had promised to mediate at that time.
Nikki, 26, died on August 21 after suffering severe burn injuries at her home in Sirsa village. Police have arrested her husband Vipin Bhati, his parents Satveer and Daya, and brother Rohit Bhati. Vipin was shot in the leg by police after allegedly trying to escape custody.
The FIR filed by Kanchan alleges Nikki was beaten, doused with a flammable liquid, and set ablaze over dowry demands despite her family having already given a Scorpio, motorcycle, and jewellery during her 2016 wedding.
Police have recovered an inflammable substance from Nikki’s room, now sent for forensic analysis. CCTV footage also shows Vipin outside his home shortly before the incident. They are probing multiple angles, including a separate assault case filed against Vipin last year.
Nikki’s father has demanded the harshest punishment for the accused and appealed to PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath for intervention. The family has also sought a fast-track court trial.
