Noida, Uttar Pradesh: In a shocking case of dowry torture and murder, a young woman identified as Nikki was set on fire by her husband and in-laws in Greater Noida. The horrific incident occurred on Thursday night, leaving the victim with severe burn injuries. Despite being rushed to Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, she succumbed to her injuries on the way. Her body was handed over to her family after post-mortem.

According to the complaint lodged by Nikki’s elder sister, Kanchan, the victim was brutally beaten by her husband, Vipin, before being set ablaze with an inflammable substance. Kanchan revealed that both she and her sister were married into the same family in 2016 and had been facing relentless dowry harassment ever since. She alleged that the family had already provided a branded SUV and valuables at the time of marriage, but the demands never ceased. Later, the in-laws allegedly demanded ₹35 lakh, followed by another car, which too was provided.

In a heart-wrenching twist, a video of Nikki’s young son has gone viral on social media, where the boy can be heard saying, “Papa killed Mummy by burning her with a lighter.” The disturbing clip has sparked massive outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws. Neighbours, who helped take Nikki to the hospital, confirmed that both sisters were subjected to frequent beatings and harassment by their in-laws.

Nikki’s father also came forward with his statement, saying his son-in-law’s family constantly harassed his daughter despite fulfilling every demand. “First they demanded a Scorpio in dowry, which we gave. Later, they asked for a Bullet bike, and that too was provided. Yet, they never stopped torturing my daughter. In the end, they killed her in front of her child,” he said. The family claims multiple complaints and compromises were earlier made through panchayat meetings, but no resolution ever lasted.

Following the complaint, police registered a case against four family members — Vipin (husband), Rohit (brother-in-law), Daya (mother-in-law), and Satveer (father-in-law). Vipin was arrested as the prime accused. However, in a dramatic turn of events, police revealed that he attempted to escape custody and was shot in the leg when officers opened fire to stop him. He has since been admitted to a hospital under police security.

The gruesome killing has sent shockwaves across the region, reigniting debates over dowry-related crimes and the safety of women in matrimonial homes. Public anger has been further fueled by the viral video of the victim’s child. Authorities have assured strict action, while women’s rights activists are demanding fast-track trial and maximum punishment for the accused to send a strong message against dowry harassment and domestic violence.