The gruesome murder of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida has shocked the conscience of the nation. She died of more than 70 per cent burns in hospital leaving behind her son. Police have arrested her husband Vipin, Vipin’s brother Rohit, her father-in-law and mother-in-law on charges of murder. Chilling videos have emerged of Vipin beating Nikki and the victim rushing down the stairs engulfed in flame. Nikki’s son was heard saying, “Papa slapped Momma and poured something on her before taking out a lighter and set her on fire.” This is not merely a dowry murder case. I think it is a dark blot on our society. The nation is seething in anger after watching the video of Nikki engulfed in flames. Nikki’s family was not poor, nor was she illiterate. Both Nikki and her sister Kanchan were married to Vipin and his brother. Nikki’s parents gave a Scorpio and a motorbike as part of dowry. Both sisters were subjected to abuse in their in-laws’ home because of constant demand for either Rs 35 lakh cash or a Mercedes car as dowry. Her parents had complained to their clan panchayat and Nikki returned home only to face more pressure for dowry.
