NEW DELHI: In a major twist in the probe into the Nikki Bhati death case, Noida Police have claimed that the woman told doctors she suffered burns in a cylinder blast.“The doctor said it was Nikki who told them she was burnt after a gas cylinder blast, which was also recorded in the hospital’s memo,” the officer said.The statement contrasts sharply with the allegation by her sister Kanchan that Nikki was set on fire by her husband Vipin after years of harassment. Nikki, who died on 21 August, had been married into a Sirsa-based family.
Conflicting versions
The case has become increasingly complex with the emergence of multiple videos and conflicting testimonies. CCTV footage from a shop near Nikki’s house appeared to show her husband standing outside at the time of the incident. Another video, believed to have been recorded by Nikki’s sister Kanchan, captures a woman’s voice asking, “What have you done?” Police are now verifying whether the voice was Kanchan’s. Kanchan, who is married to Vipin’s elder brother and lives in the same house, has maintained that Nikki accused her husband of setting her on fire. She has also shared screenshots of Vipin’s alleged conversations with other women, questioning why a single CCTV clip has turned public opinion in his favour. “It’s such a shame that just one CCTV footage has turned the entire matter around… Those who say she did this herself to trap him should first try burning their own hand to prove their point,” she wrote on Instagram.ALSO READ: Mystery shrouds Nikki Bhati’s final hours: Noida police chase shifting storylines in ‘dowry murder’ — Inflammable substance, fresh video or LPG cylinder blast
Arrests and investigation
Vipin, along with his parents Daya and Satveer and elder brother Rohit, has been arrested. All face charges of murder and dowry harassment. Another video that surfaced shows Nikki’s mother-in-law separating her from Vipin during a quarrel and even slapping her son when he raised his hand at Nikki.
Police say they are trying to determine when this footage was filmed. A further clip shows Vipin’s father performing Nikki’s last rites. Sources say the cremation took place early the morning after her death, before Nikki’s family lodged a formal complaint.
Calls for wider probe
Nikki’s cousin Sunny Payla has urged police to retrieve footage from CCTV cameras inside the family home, arguing these would give a clearer picture of events. “Vipin’s family has conveniently circulated footage from a shop opposite their house. It does not show what happened inside that day,” he said. Police officials say they have recorded 10-12 statements from both families and are now piecing together the sequence of events. “We will cross-verify all statements. The sequence of events is being established. We are going to do a thorough investigation,” an officer told reporters. For now, investigators say re-examining Kanchan will be key to resolving contradictions at the heart of the case.ALSO READ: How did Nikki die? New videos muddy murder charge; police to quiz again sister Kanchan
