Greater Noida, August 2025: A shocking twist has emerged in the Nikki Bhati dowry death case, which has shaken Noida and the entire nation. While earlier reports alleged that Nikki was doused with kerosene and set ablaze by her husband, Vipin Bhati, a hospital memo has now revealed a contradictory claim – that Nikki’s fatal burn injuries were caused by a gas cylinder explosion at her home.
The fresh evidence, including CCTV footage, family statements, and hospital records, has added multiple layers to an already complex case, raising questions about what really happened on August 21 in Sirsa village, Greater Noida.
Hospital Memo Reveals Cylinder Blast
A private hospital, where Nikki was first rushed after sustaining severe burns, issued a memo that stated in Hindi:
“Ghar par gas cylinder fatne se mareej ko kaafi gambheer roop se jal gaya hai”
(“The patient suffered severe burn injuries due to a gas cylinder explosion at home”).
The memo also recorded that Nikki was brought to the hospital by her relative Devendra (her aunt’s son) and that she was already in a critical condition.
This revelation contradicts police reports, which claimed that Nikki had been assaulted, doused in a flammable liquid, and set on fire by her husband and in-laws.
CCTV Footage Raises More Questions
Adding to the puzzle, CCTV footage from outside a shop near the Bhati residence showed a man identified by locals as Vipin, Nikki’s husband. The video clip shows him standing behind a parked car before abruptly running off and later returning in haste. Soon after, neighbours and family members are seen rushing toward the house, with women visibly panicked.
Police officials confirmed that the footage is under verification. Additional DCP (Greater Noida) Sudheer Kumar told PTI:
“The CCTV footage is part of the investigation. We are looking at all possible angles, and suitable action will be taken after the probe is complete.”
Family’s Allegations of Dowry Harassment
Despite the hospital’s memo, Nikki’s family maintains that this was a brutal dowry murder. Her elder sister, Kanchan, made grave accusations, alleging that Vipin’s mother, Daya, handed him a flammable substance that he poured on Nikki before setting her ablaze.
Kanchan further said:
“When I tried to intervene, I was beaten by Vipin, my in-laws, and my husband Rohit. My sister was in a critical condition, and with the help of a neighbour, we rushed her to Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida. Later, she was referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.”
Nikki’s family claims that since her marriage in 2016, she was continuously harassed for dowry, despite having already given a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, and gold jewellery. They allege that her in-laws later pressured her for an additional ₹36 lakh and a luxury vehicle.
Police Action and Arrests
Police have arrested Vipin Bhati, his parents Satveer and Daya, and his brother Rohit in connection with the case. Vipin was shot in the leg by police during an alleged attempt to escape custody on Sunday.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognizance of the case, demanding a time-bound investigation, strict punishment for the accused, and protection for Nikki’s family and witnesses.
A Case with Conflicting Evidence
The Nikki Bhati case is turning into one of the most controversial dowry death cases in Uttar Pradesh in recent years. On one hand, the hospital memo suggests a cylinder blast, while on the other hand, family testimonies, the FIR, and initial police statements allege a planned murder by the husband and in-laws.
The final outcome now depends on forensic examination, cross-verification of CCTV evidence, and testimonies of eyewitnesses.
The Greater Noida dowry death case of Nikki Bhati highlights the deep-rooted issue of dowry harassment in India, even in modern times. While her family insists that she was a victim of domestic cruelty and dowry-related violence, the hospital records have introduced a new angle that cannot be ignored.
Whether it was a tragic household accident or a deliberate act of murder, only a thorough and transparent investigation can reveal the truth. For now, the case stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need to end dowry-related abuse and protect women’s rights in India.