New Delhi, Aug 25, 2025 : In a harrowing development, Rohit Bhati, brother-in-law of Nikki Bhati, has been arrested in connection with the brutal dowry-related murder of the 28-year-old woman in Greater Noida. This marks the third arrest in the case, following the earlier detention of Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, and her mother-in-law, Daya Bhati. Vipin’s father, Satyavir Bhati, remains absconding.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Nikki’s sister, Kanchan, Nikki was physically assaulted by Vipin and Daya on August 21 and set on fire after being doused in a flammable liquid. Kanchan, who witnessed the incident while visiting her in-laws’ home, was also beaten when she tried to intervene. Horrifying video evidence shared by Kanchan shows Nikki engulfed in flames, struggling to walk down stairs, and sitting on the floor with severe burn injuries. Nikki succumbed to her injuries at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.

Vipin Bhati suffered a gunshot wound to his leg while attempting to escape police custody. Police officials said Vipin grabbed a constable’s pistol and fired during the escape attempt; retaliatory gunfire left him injured. From his hospital bed, Vipin claimed he did not kill his wife, stating she “died on her own” and dismissed the incident as a common marital dispute, showing no remorse.

The case has revealed the horrific scale of dowry harassment faced by Nikki and Kanchan. Despite their father giving substantial gifts including a Scorpio SUV, a Royal Enfield Bullet, cash, and gold, the Bhati family allegedly continued to demand more and physically assault the sisters. The sisters ran a makeup studio, but the in-laws reportedly confiscated their earnings and criticized their professional work. Kanchan emphasized that the crime would have gone unnoticed had she not recorded the assault, which became crucial evidence in the investigation.

Authorities continue to search for Satyavir Bhati, the patriarch who is suspected to be a key conspirator in the crime. The gruesome incident has sparked outrage and drawn attention to the persistent issue of dowry harassment and violence against women in India. Nikki’s father, Bikhari Singh Payla, expressed his grief and anger, calling for the accused to face the severest punishment, highlighting the emotional and social toll on the family.

The arrest of Rohit Bhati underlines the police’s ongoing efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice. Investigators are analyzing video and eyewitness evidence to ensure a thorough prosecution of the case. The community and authorities alike have condemned the brutality, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger safeguards against dowry-related crimes.

Nikki’s tragic death is a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked dowry demands, highlighting the critical importance of prompt reporting, evidence collection, and timely legal action in preventing such atrocities.