Husband Accused of Burning Wife to Death, Arrested After Dramatic Escape Attempt

On August 21, 2025, a court in Uttar Pradesh, India remanded Vipin Bhati, the prime accused in the alleged dowry murder of his 28-year-old wife Nikki, in 14 days' judicial custody. The same day, the police also arrested Bhati's mother, who is also charged in the case, while other family members remain on the run.

The developments came a day after Nikki died of 70% burn injuries at Safdarjung Hospital, where she had been referred from Fortis Hospital in Noida. According to the police, Nikki was allegedly set ablaze by her husband and in-laws at their residence in Greater Noida's Sirsa village on August 17. Bhati was arrested on August 19 and taken to the family home to recover evidence when he allegedly tried to escape custody.

"He snatched an officer's pistol and opened fire. In retaliatory firing, he suffered a bullet injury to his leg," said Sudhir Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Greater Noida. The accused was later shifted to a hospital, where he told reporters he had "no remorse" and claimed Nikki "died on her own."

Hours after Bhati's arrest, the police apprehended Daya, Nikki's mother-in-law. Her brother-in-law and father-in-law remain at large. Nikki's sister Kanchan had earlier lodged a complaint naming Bhati, his brother Rohit, mother Daya, and father Satveer for domestic violence and dowry demands of ₹36 lakh, which the family had allegedly been making for years.