The mystery into the tragic death of Nikki Bhati, who was allegedly set on fire in Sirsa, Greater Noida, on August 21, has deepened with fresh evidence and conflicting claims emerging during the day. There were allegations that her Instagram activity caused a rift in the family and led to her alleged murder. However, these claims were dismissed by the victim's father.
Nikki's father Bhikari Singh Payla said her husband Vipin Bhatti too had an Instgram account. "Vipin's mother used Instagram too. Reels are not the reason for Nikki's killing," PTI quoted Payla as saying.
Neighbours had earlier claimed that the Bhati family was not happy with Nikki and her sister Kanchan uploading reels on Instagram. Their husbands objected to the makeover reels posted by the duo.
Talking about the beauty parlour run by Nikki and Kanchan, Payla said it was set up using his own money. "I paid ₹1.5 lakh for it. My daughter was running the parlour and was using that money towards her son's education," said the victim's father.
Payla also claimed that Vipin was unemployed. "Those who are raising questions against my daughter should tell what Vipin did. Did he do any job? Are there any salary slips?" he told the news agency.
Police had earlier revealed that on the day of her death, Nikki asked Vipin to let her reopen the beauty parlour. However, he refused, insisting that "women in the family are not allowed to run business or create social media content."
As the argument turned violent, Vipin doused Nikki with a flammable liquid and set her afire. She suffered severe burns and died at Delhi's Safdurjung Hospital.
Vipin, his brother Rohit Bhati, parents Satveer Bhati and Daya Bhati have been arrested in the case. Police shot Vipin in the leg on Sunday when he tried to flee.
Nikki's father accused Vipin and his family of torturing her over dowry since their wedding in 2016. Her family said they kept demanding dowry despite providing an SUV, a motorbike and jewellery. Later, they gave another luxury car and ₹36 lakh.