Big twist in Nikki Bhati murder case: Property shares transferred to children as family settles dispute outside court

NOIDA: The family of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati, which accused her husband and in-laws of murdering her, has reached an out-of-court settlement after property shares were transferred to children.

Under the agreement, property linked to Nikki’s husband Vipin Bhati has been transferred to Nikki’s seven-year-old son, while property belonging to Vipin’s brother Rohit Bhati has been transferred to Rohit and Kanchan Bhati’s son. Kanchan is the sister of Nikki and is married into the same family.

On Aug 21 last year, Nikki was allegedly set on fire at her home in Sirsa village in Kasna. An FIR was registered against her husband Vipin, father-in-law Satveer, mother-in-law Daya, and brother-in-law Rohit under provisions of BNS related to murder, causing hurt, and criminal conspiracy. All four were arrested, though only Vipin remains in Luksar jail while the others are out on bail.

The case drew attention after allegations of prolonged abuse and serious violence within the family. In her original complaint, Kanchan had accused the family of assaulting Nikki before setting her on fire. After the incident, Kanchan moved to her parental home in Roopwas village in Dadri with her two children and Nikki’s son.

According to prosecuting counsel Udham Singh Tongad, the trial is still pending. At the last hearing, held about two weeks ago, the complainant allegedly told the court that no one was at home when the incident occurred, differing from her earlier statement. He said the settlement was worked out through lawyers.

Under the terms of agreement, the transferred properties will legally come into effect when the children turn 18. Kanchan will continue living in Dadri with her children, and her husband has moved there as well. Nikki’s son will remain with his maternal grandparents in Roopwas.

Nikki’s brother, Atul Payla, said the families decided on the settlement after months of discussions, keeping the children’s future in mind.

Legal experts said the criminal case cannot simply be withdrawn because the charges are non-compoundable. Even so, the trial will continue on the basis of available evidence and witness testimony.