The Uttar Pradesh Police arrested the father-in-law of Nikki Bhati on Monday, making it the fourth arrest in the shocking dowry death case from Greater Noida. Nikki, a 28-year-old woman, was set on fire at her in-laws’ house on August 21.
Earlier on the same day, police arrested her brother-in-law, who is married to Nikki’s own sister. Nikki’s mother-in-law and husband had been taken into custody on Sunday and Saturday, respectively.
Husband Arrested After Encounter
Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, was accused of murdering her over dowry demands. Police caught him on Saturday after he was injured during an encounter. He was later sent to 14-day judicial custody.
ALSO READ: Nikki Bhati Murder: Brother-in-Law Nabbed, Third Arrest in Greater Noida Dowry Case
Sisters Nikki and Kanchan were married into the same family in Sirsa village, Greater Noida, in December 2016. Since then, her family claimed, Nikki faced continuous harassment for dowry.
What Triggered the Murder
According to police, Nikki was attacked after an argument with her husband over two issues – posting reels on Instagram and her wish to reopen a beauty parlour she had earlier run. During interrogation, Vipin admitted to the assault and even told the police that he had “no remorse” for his actions.
#WATCH | Greater Noida dowry murder case | Deceased Nikki’s father-in-law has been arrested by Noida Police.
This is the fourth arrest in the case so far. Nikki’s brother-in-law was arrested earlier today. Her mother-in-law was arrested yesterday. The husband, Vipin Bhati,… pic.twitter.com/8ezdJp5ud1
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
Nikki’s family alleged that she had been tortured since her marriage. They claimed that her in-laws had demanded ₹36 lakh in dowry. They had already provided a Scorpio SUV and a motorcycle, but the harassment never stopped.
Disturbing videos of the August 21 incident surfaced on social media, drawing national outrage. In one clip, a man is seen pouring a liquid, reportedly thinner used in parlours, on Nikki while she sat on the floor. Another video showed Vipin assaulting her brutally. A third video captured the horrifying moment when Nikki, severely burnt, walked down a staircase before collapsing.
Investigation Underway
Police confirmed that Nikki had died of severe burn injuries while being taken to the hospital on Thursday night. Investigators are now examining the videos and testimonies of Nikki’s young son and sister, who witnessed the assault.
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Kasna police station officer Dharmendra Shukla said the investigation revealed that the argument began when Nikki insisted on reopening her parlour. “Vipin told her that in their family, posting reels on Instagram and running a parlour were not allowed. The issue turned ugly, and he started assaulting her,” Shukla said.
The murder has sparked anger and raised questions about dowry harassment and domestic violence. With four arrests made, police say the investigation is moving quickly.
