Dowry murder accused tries to escape from custody, shot in police encounter

NOIDA: Vipin Bhati, husband of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati, who died after she was harassed and set ablaze at her in-laws' home in Greater Noida, suffered a gunshot wound in his leg when he tried to escape from police custody. He was taken to his home today to collect evidence. He then snatched the cop’s pistol and opened fire. In retaliatory firing, he was shot on his leg. The accused is presently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

The victim’s father responded saying that the police have taken the right action. He also demanded the arrest of others responsible for his daughter's murder. Vipin set his wife Nikki Bhatia on fire after demanding a dowry of Rs 36 lakh.

Vipin and Nikki got married in 2016. After the wedding, her sister Kanchan married to Vipin’s brother alleged that Vipin and his mother constantly harassed her over dowry. Kanchan recorded the visuals of Nikki being harassed and shared it on social media, which turned crucial in the case. The clip shows a burning Nikki stumbling down a staircase. Nikki, who was severely burned, was rushed to a nearby hospital by locals but could not be saved. She died last Thursday.

Nikki's son had revealed that his father and grandma had killed his mother. They first put something on Mumma. Then they slapped her, before setting her on fire with a lighter,’ said the boy who witnessed his mother’s death. Nikki's father had said in the morning that he wanted the accused to be shot.