A video circulating on social media shows Satyavir Bhati, the father of Noida dowry murder accused Vipin, cremating his daughter-in-law Nikki on Tuesday.
This follows the arrest of Vipin Bhati, his mother Dayavati, and his brother Rohit, in connection with the alleged torture and murder of makeover artist and social media influencer Nikki Bhati (Vipin's wife). Satyavir was said to be absconding.
However, he can be seen in the video performing Nikki's last rites, in addition to Nikki's brother Vicky Payla, and another of her relatives.
THE WEEK could not independently verify the video.
Nikki Bhati was allegedly tortured and burnt to death in front of her sister and son over a ₹36 lakh dowry spat.
Vicky had said on Sunday that after his deceased sister Nikki's body was brought to their home in Dadri, their in-laws "repeatedly requested that they be allowed to conduct the last rites".
"It was their last wish and after initial hesitation, we agreed," he added.
Nikki's sister Kanchan reportedly also played a part in persuading her family, insisting that the in-laws be given “one more chance”, citing the “many chances” given to them over the past several years, as per a Hindustan Times report.
According to Vicky, the Bhati family’s relatives also stated that a refusal would hurt their pride.
This contradicts Nikki's sister Kanchan's version of the story, according to which all of her in-laws had fled after her sister was set ablaze.
A recently released (unverified) video also claimed that Vipin and his father were not present at the time Nikki was set ablaze, which again clashed with Kanchan's statements.