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Greater Noida dowry death: ‘In-laws set Nikki on fire, left the house’, says sister

Her statement has now been included in police chargesheet

3 min readNoidaUpdated: Nov 26, 2025 11:00 AM IST

Greater Noida dowry death case, Noida dowry death case, dowry death case, dowry death, delhi news, India news, Indian express, current affairs

Nikki with sister Kanchan.

When 26-year-old Nikki Bhati was allegedly set on fire inside her home in Greater Noida’s Sirsa neighbourhood, her sister, Kanchan, saw her stumbling down the stairs, her body engulfed in flames.

In a brief video that Kanchan managed to record, Nikki can be seen burning.

Moments earlier, Kanchan had allegedly overheard a heated exchange between Nikki and her husband, Vipin Bhati. She told the police that she also saw their mother-in-law enter the room and heard her shouting at Nikki.

Sister’s statement among key evidence

Kanchan’s statement, now included in the police chargesheet, is among the key evidence being relied upon by the prosecution, The Indian Express has learnt. Four members of the Bhati family — Nikki’s husband, his father Satveer, his mother Daya, and his elder brother Rohit — are facing allegations of murder and criminal conspiracy.

“While she was burning, all of them left the house one by one. I was crying and wailing alone,” Kanchan told the police, it is learnt.

“In my sister Nikki’s death, my husband Rohit and my father-in-law Satveer are equally involved. When Vipin and my mother-in-law burnt my sister, Rohit and Satveer were present, but they did nothing to save her,” Kanchan told the police, it is learnt.

According to the police probe, it is learnt, Kanchan recounted that she heard her sister crying in distress. When she rushed out, she allegedly saw Nikki coming down the staircase engulfed in flames. She tried to put out the fire by sprinkling water from a bowl, but the flames did not subside, the police probe has found.

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Sources said that Kanchan has alleged that Vipin was involved with another woman and showed little regard for Nikki. The probe also found out that according to Kanchan, this alleged relationship had previously led to a major altercation between the families.

The probe further states that Kanchan was aware Nikki had been sleeping on a mattress on the floor and that the couple had been sleeping separately in the days leading up to the incident. She told police the pair had been embroiled in disputes and disagreements.

Nikki died on August 21 after suffering burn injuries. Her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband were arrested following a complaint filed by Kanchan, who is married to Rohit.

Here are the key points

Sister says she saw Nikki stumbling down the stairs, engulfed in fire. In a video that the sister recorded, Nikki can be seen burning
Sister had overheard a heated exchange between Nikki and her husband; heard mother-in-law shout at Nikki
Sister says her husband and father-in-law are equally involved in Nikki’s death

Neetika Jha

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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