Greater Noida: The key accused in the high-profile Nikki death case, Vipin Bhati, was injured in a police encounter on Sunday after he allegedly attempted to escape from custody. The incident took place near Sirsa Chowk in Greater Noida while he was being taken for a medical examination.
According to the police, Vipin tried to flee from custody and did not stop despite repeated warnings. In response, police shot him in the leg to stop him. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is now under police guard.
The case originates from Sirsa village in the Kasna police station area of Greater Noida, where 28-year-old Nikki sustained critical burn injuries under suspicious circumstances. She was initially taken to Fortis Hospital and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where she was declared dead.
Authorities began an investigation after disturbing video footage surfaced, allegedly showing Nikki being physically assaulted by members of her in-laws’ family. Based on this and statements from witnesses, multiple people, including her husband Vipin Bhati and her mother-in-law, have been named in the case.
Nikki's sister, Kanchan, who is married to Vipin's elder brother, has provided a detailed account to the authorities. She claimed that both she and Nikki had been facing domestic abuse over alleged dowry demands. On the day of the incident, Kanchan says she witnessed Nikki being assaulted. When she tried to intervene, she too was allegedly attacked.
Kanchan said she tried to save her sister, but Nikki suffered serious injuries. Neighbors rushed Nikki to the hospital before the police arrived. Kanchan's testimony has become a crucial part of the investigation.
Nikki’s father also confirmed that he received a call from Kanchan about the incident. When the family reached the hospital, they were informed that Nikki had been brought in with severe injuries. She was later declared dead at Safdarjung Hospital.
While in custody, Vipin denies any involvement in Nikki’s death. He claimed that the incident was not a case of murder but rather a suicide and that disputes between husband and wife were being misrepresented. However, given the video evidence and testimonies from family members and the victim’s child, police have strengthened the case against him.
Following Vipin's attempt to escape custody, Greater Noida police emphasized that there would be no leniency in the case. Officials stated that all evidence, including video footage, witness accounts, and forensic reports, is being examined closely.
Nikki's family has demanded the strictest possible punishment for all accused persons, stating that justice must be served for their daughter.
The police have assured the family and the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway.
