The brutal dowry death of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has shaken the nation and her husband and in-laws allegedly set her ablaze after years of dowry harassment. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken serious note of the case and demanded swift action. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called the killing a grave concern, urging police, society, and lawmakers to ensure strict punishment but the case once again exposes how dowry, despite strong laws, continues to claim lives even after 75 years of independence.
NCW Chairperson Steps In
Vijaya Rahatkar contacted the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police and requested immediate arrests of all accused. She stressed the need for a time-bound and fair investigation. Rahatkar also demanded strict action under relevant laws, while seeking protection for the victim’s family and witnesses. She directed the DGP to submit a detailed action report within three days. She also assured that she will meet Nikki’s family, who remain in trauma, and continue monitoring the investigation closely.
Read More: Nikki Bhati Dowry Death Case: 10 Facts That Reveal Abuse, Triggering Videos, and Arrests
Case Details and Arrests
Police have already arrested four people. Those in custody include Nikki’s husband Vipin Bhati, her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law, who is married to Nikki’s sister Kanchan. Authorities registered charges under Section 103 (murder), Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The Incident That Sparked the Tragedy
On August 21, Nikki asked her husband to allow her and her sister to reopen their beauty parlour. Vipin opposed it, insisting that running a parlour or posting reels on Instagram was unacceptable. Nikki resisted and stood her ground. The altercation escalated, Vipin assaulted her and then set her ablaze.
Years of Dowry Harassment
Nikki married into the Bhati family of Sirsa, Greater Noida, in 2016. Her family revealed that she faced relentless dowry harassment since then and despite receiving a Scorpio SUV, gold, ₹36 lakh cash, and other lavish gifts, the demands kept increasing. She often returned to her parents’ home due to abuse but was sent back each time with promises of reconciliation. Her tragic end has now exposed the ugly persistence of dowry in Indian households.
Read More: “They Set Her on Fire”: Son Recalls Mother’s Horrific Dowry Murder in Noida
A Call for Social Introspection
Rahatkar condemned the killing, calling it disturbing that “even after 75 years of independence, daughters still die due to dowry.” She noted that stringent laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act exist, but society’s attitude allows new forms of dowry to surface and she demanded introspection, urging communities to reject the practice and protect women from its violent consequences.
