Greater Noida – Police have arrested Vipin, a resident of Sirsa in Greater Noida, on charges of murdering his wife by setting her on fire in what authorities are treating as a dowry-related crime.
The Incident
Nikki died from severe burn injuries on Thursday following what family members describe as a brutal attack by her husband and in-laws. Video evidence reportedly shows Nikki being physically assaulted before the fatal incident, with footage capturing her with extensive burn injuries.
The victim’s sister-in-law, Kanchan, who is married to Vipin’s brother, provided testimony to police stating that both women had endured years of abuse over dowry demands totaling Rs 36 lakh since their marriages in 2016.
Eyewitness Accounts
According to Kanchan’s statement to authorities: “We faced constant harassment over dowry payments. On Thursday, after hours of physical assault, they attacked my sister in front of me and the children. They doused her with some liquid and ignited it. I attempted to intervene but was unable to prevent what happened.”
The victim’s young son corroborated this account, telling investigators that his mother was deliberately set ablaze after being struck and having flammable liquid poured on her.
Social Media Activity Before Arrest
In the early hours of Saturday morning, shortly before his arrest, Vipin posted messages on Instagram suggesting his wife had taken her own life. The posts, accompanied by melancholic music, contained phrases questioning why she had “left him” and claiming he was being “wronged” by public perception.
One post reportedly stated: “The world is calling me a killer, Nikki… I am being treated unfairly since you left.”
Legal Proceedings
Police have filed murder charges against Vipin, with additional suspects including his parents and brother, who remain at large. The case is being investigated as a dowry death under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Authorities are examining video evidence and witness testimony as part of their investigation into what they characterize as a premeditated attack stemming from ongoing dowry harassment.
The victim’s family continues to seek justice, with Kanchan stating her desire for the perpetrators to face consequences proportionate to the suffering they inflicted.
