'Matter of grave concern': NCW condemns Nikki Bhati dowry murder, demands strict action

Noting that stringent laws are in place against dowry, the NCW chairperson said it is time for society to become aware and put an end to it.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday took serious note of the Nikki Bhati dowry murder, where the 28-year-old was set ablaze by her husband and in-laws in Greater Noida's Sirsa. The committee demanded strict action in the matter.

Nikki Bhati was set ablaze by her husband and in-laws after an altercation over reopening her beauty parlour. (HT Photo)

NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar informed that she contacted the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police, requesting the immediate arrest of all the persons involved in the case. She also demanded strict action under the relevant laws along with a fair and time-bound investigation.

Vipin Bhati, husband of Nikki, set her on fire after an altercation over his wife's demand to reopen her and sister's beauty parlour snowballed, resulting in abuse and a tragic death.

Police have so far arrested four people, including Nikki's husband, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law, who was married to her sister Kanchan.

"The National Commission for Women (NCW) strongly condemns the brutal killing of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati over dowry. NCW seeks swift action in Greater Noida dowry killing case. We also demand strict action against the culprit," Rahatkar said during a press conference, news agency PTI reported.

Noting that stringent laws are in place against dowry, the NCW chairperson said it is time for society to become aware and put an end to it.

Rahatkar further said it was disturbing how "even after 75 years of independence, our daughters are still falling victim to the evil practice of dowry."

She said that such killings, whether in Noida, Hyderabad, or Pune, are a "matter of grave concern", highlighting the urgent need for society to reflect on its direction.

Rahatkar noted how India has stringent laws to prevent dowry, with severe provisions under the Dowry Prohibition Act. However, cases like that of Nikki Bhati's show that there is a gap in society's attitude.

"Despite good laws and their implementation, when such brutal murders take place, it shows that society too needs to introspect. The new forms in which dowry is surfacing must be curbed," she said.

The NCW chairperson also sought protection for the witnesses and the victim's family members, noting that the DGP has been asked to submit a thorough action report within three days.

Rahatkar noted that Nikki Bhati's family is in trauma and said that she will try to meet them soon. She said that she is also regularly taking updates on the investigation from the police.

Nikki Bhati dowry death

Nikki and her sister Kanchan were married into the Bhati family of Greater Noida's Sirsa in 2016. Nikki's family alleged that she was subjected to relentless abuse and torture over dowry demands for years.

Her family had revealed that Nikki even returned home several times due to dowry harassment. But she was taken back every time over promises of repair and hopes of reconciliation. Her husband Vipin Bhati and her in-laws had constantly been demanding lavish dowry gifts and luxury cars, including a Scorpio SUV, gold, ₹36 lakh cash, among other things.

On August 21, when Nikki demanded to Vipin that she wanted to reopen her beauty parlour. He refused, saying that running a beauty parlour and posting reels on Instagram were not allowed. However, she resisted and said that no one could stop her and her sister from reopening the parlour.

The altercation escalated and led to Vipin assaulting her, following which he set herself on fire.