A man arrested for allegedly killing his wife over a dowry dispute has posted on social media suggesting she died by suicide.
Vipin Bhati, 28, was arrested in Greater Noida, while his father and brother, also accused in the case, remain at large.
The victim, identified as 28-year-old Nikki, died from burn injuries. Her family alleges that she was assaulted and set on fire by her husband and in-laws. A video from the incident shows Bhati assaulting her before she was doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze.
Hours before his arrest, Bhati posted on Instagram, writing in Hindi, “Why did you leave me? Why did you do this? The world is calling me a killer, Nikki.” In another story, he was seen smiling with his wife and son, with a caption stating, “I’m devastated. I’m left with nothing.”
According to the victim’s sister, Kanchan, who is married to Bhati’s elder brother, both sisters were consistently tortured for dowry, with their in-laws demanding ₹36 lakh. Kanchan claims she witnessed her sister being set on fire in front of the children. The couple’s young son also corroborated the account, stating that his mother was set ablaze with a lighter. The police are continuing their search for the other accused family members.
