Greater Noida: Police have arrested Rohit Bhati, the brother-in-law of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati, who died last week after being set on fire at her in-laws’ home in Greater Noida. This marks the third arrest in the case, which revolves around an alleged dowry demand of ₹36 lakh.

Earlier, Nikki’s husband, Vipin Bhati, and her mother-in-law, Daya, were taken into custody. Vipin’s father, Satyavir, is still absconding.

Assault and Death

According to the FIR lodged by Nikki’s sister Kanchan—who is married to Rohit in the same household—the young woman was assaulted on the evening of August 21 by Vipin and Daya. When Kanchan tried to intervene, she too was beaten.

Police say Vipin then poured a flammable substance on Nikki and set her ablaze. Disturbing videos shared by Kanchan reportedly show Nikki being beaten, followed by clips of her engulfed in flames, walking down a staircase and later sitting with severe burn injuries.

Nikki was rushed to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

Husband’s Failed Escape

After Nikki’s death, Vipin was arrested. However, on Sunday, he attempted to flee while in police custody. Officials said that when he was taken home to recover the bottle used in the crime, Vipin grabbed a policeman’s pistol and opened fire. He was shot in the leg in retaliatory firing and later admitted to hospital.

Vipin Denies Murder

Speaking from his hospital bed, Vipin denied killing his wife. “I have no remorse. I haven’t killed her. She died on her own. Husbands and wives often fight—it is very common,” he told news agency ANI.

Police investigations are ongoing, and efforts are underway to trace Vipin’s father, Satyavir.

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