Nikki Bhati, the 28-year-old woman who was set on fire by her husband Vipin Bhati, allegedly over a dowry demand, was told by him that posting reels on Instagram and running a parlour “were not allowed”.
The ongoing probe into the case has revealed fresh details, linking the chilling death of the woman to her posting reels on Instagram and wanting to reopen a beauty parlour she used to run.
Police investigations have revealed that Vipin, arrested on Saturday, showed “no remorse” and confessed that he was strongly against his wife running a parlour or being active on social media.
Key Developments in the Case:
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On the afternoon of August 21, Nikki informed her husband about restarting her parlour. Just two hours later, she was burnt alive.
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According to police, Vipin told her that “posting reels and running a parlour were not allowed” in their family. The argument escalated into violence, ending with the brutal crime.
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Vipin initially fled to his relatives’ house after the incident but was caught and shot in the leg while trying to escape custody.
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Nikki’s mother-in-law Daya Bhati was arrested on Sunday, while her brother-in-law Rohit Bhati—who is married to Nikki’s sister—was arrested a day later.
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Nikki’s sister Kanchan, also married into the same family, alleged that the in-laws demanded dowry worth ₹35 crore, including luxury cars. She further claimed that Nikki was attacked with acid and hit on the head before being set ablaze.
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A viral video clip showed a man pouring a chemical (used in parlours) on Nikki before setting her on fire. Her six-year-old son reportedly witnessed the horrific act.
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Nikki and her sister Kanchan had a popular online presence, running an Instagram page “Makeover by Kannchan” with over 54,000 followers and millions of views.
Nikki had married Vipin in December 2016, but her family alleges dowry demands began just two years later. Over the nine years of marriage, she had returned to her parental home multiple times due to dowry-related disputes, only to reconcile each time.
Police have booked Vipin, his parents, and brother under charges of murder and dowry harassment. Vipin has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
