Greater Noida dowry death: Victim's mother-in-law arrested; father says 'she was behind conspiracy, must be hanged'

NEW DELHI: In the Greater Noida dowry death case , police on Sunday arrested the victim’s mother-in-law, hours after her husband, Vipin Bhati, was shot in the leg during an attempted escape from custody.

Confirming the arrest, the DCP, Greater Noida, said, “One more accused has been arrested in the murder case. The deceased's mother-in-law has also been arrested.”

The victim, Nikki Bhati, died of 70% burn injuries at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. Her family has accused her husband and in-laws of repeatedly torturing her for dowry.

Speaking after the arrest, Nikki’s father Bhikhari Singh Payla expressed some relief, but also anger at the accused. “The administration is working well. The monsters burnt her to death… I am happy that she (victim's mother-in-law) has been arrested. She is behind the entire conspiracy. It is a mother’s work to educate the child. Instead of disciplining him, she encouraged him (the victim’s husband) further. They must be hanged,” Payla said.

Also Read: Accused Vipin Bhati ‘no remorse’ reply after encounter in Greater Noida dowry murder case

Her father alleged that Nikki’s mother-in-law poured kerosene on her while her husband set her ablaze. “They demanded a car and tortured my daughter. Now their demands have been met with her death,” he said during a protest outside Kasna Police Station.

Bhati, the main accused, has denied responsibility, claiming Nikki “died on her own.” Speaking from his hospital bed, he said, “I have no remorse. I haven’t killed her… Husband and wife often have fights, it is very common.”

The victim’s father described his son-in-law as “a butcher,” recalling how Nikki had once been brought home due to domestic violence but was later sent back after assurances from her in-laws. “It continued. Now they have got what they wanted,” he said.

Police said investigations into the case are ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies)