The dowry death case of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati, who allegedly died after being set on fire in Greater Noida, has taken a fresh twist after a video surfaced showing her accused father-in-law taking part in her funeral. The footage shows the man, one of the four named in the FIR, lighting Nikki’s funeral pyre and participating in the rituals.

Her brother and uncle were also seen at the cremation. The presence of both families together has sparked questions over the sequence of events and how the accused managed to attend the funeral before being formally charged.

Nikki suffered severe burn injuries on August 21. She was rushed to a private hospital in Greater Noida and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, but died on the way. Her last rites were performed the next morning at her in-laws’ house in Sirsa. Just a few hours later, around 12:40 pm, an FIR was lodged against her husband, Vipin, father-in-law Satveer, mother-in-law Daya, and brother-in-law Rohit on charges of murder and dowry harassment.

The FIR, filed by Nikki’s elder sister Kanchan, alleges that Nikki was assaulted and set ablaze by her husband and in-laws. She claims to have witnessed the incident and said the accused fled immediately afterwards. However, a hospital memo from the first facility contradicts this version, noting that Nikki had been injured in a “gas cylinder blast at home” and was brought in by a relative named Devendra.

Adding further complexity, CCTV footage from near the Bhati residence shows a man, identified by locals as Vipin, running toward the house and returning shortly after. Moments later, neighbours and an elderly manare seen rushing to the house in alarm. Police have said the video is being verified.  All four accused have since been arrested. Police said Vipin was shot in the leg while allegedly trying to escape custody.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has intervened, demanding a fast-track investigation, protection for Nikki’s family and witnesses, and strict action against the accused. The conflicting details, from hospital records to CCTV clips and the accused’s role in the funeral have left the case clouded in uncertainty, even as Nikki’s family continues to demand justice.