Vipin Bhati, the main accused in the dowry death of his wife Nikki Bhati, was shot in the leg on Saturday while attempting to escape police custody in Greater Noida. Authorities were taking him to the crime scene to recover bottles of inflammable liquid allegedly used in the attack when he tried to snatch a cop’s pistol and flee. Police fired in self-defense, and Vipin was hospitalized.
Nikki, 28, suffered brutal assault and was set on fire by her husband and in-laws in front of her six-year-old son and sister. Videos circulating on social media show Vipin and his family dragging her, hitting her, and setting her ablaze. Her young son recounted, “They poured something on my mother, slapped her, and set her on fire with a lighter.”
Her father, Bhikari Singh Payla, revealed that despite fulfilling repeated dowry demands, including a Scorpio, Bullet bike, and a Mercedes, Nikki faced continued harassment. “They killed my daughter. The accused should be arrested immediately, or we will sit on a hunger strike,” he said.
Greater Noida ADCP Sudhir Kumar confirmed that police recovered the bottles of thinner and that further investigation is ongoing. He added that Vipin tried to fire at officers before being shot.
This shocking incident highlights the ongoing struggle against dowry-related crimes and the urgent need for strict enforcement of laws protecting women.