'Stop making Instagram reels': Vipin was unhappy with Nikki’s habit of making videos; opposed reopening of parlour

NEW DELHI: The tragic death of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati, who was allegedly set ablaze by her husband Vipin and in-laws, has taken a chilling turn, with investigators revealing that her social media activity and plans to reopen her parlour were key sources of conflict in the marriage.According to police, Vipin was unhappy and against Nikki's habit of making Instagram reels and her plan to reopen a beauty parlour with her sister Kanchan.Both sisters had been running the parlour until six months ago, but daily quarrels with in-laws—who would reportedly seize their earnings—forced them to shut it down.“Vipin asked her to stop making videos, but Nikki continued. She also told him she would soon reopen the parlour. This led to a heated argument, and the subsequent violence,” said Kasna SHO Dharmendra Shukla.What Happened On August 21?On August 21, just hours before the attack, Nikki and Kanchan had an argument with their mother-in-law over a reel they were filming inside a makeshift “studio” in their house. Police said this dispute spiraled into the brutal incident where kerosene was poured over Nikki and she was set on fire.Disturbing videos, allegedly recorded by Kanchan, show Vipin dragging Nikki by her hair and mocking her to “make a video.” Another clip shows Nikki engulfed in flames, stumbling down a staircase.Domestic Violence, Financial Control, And InfidelityInvestigators have so far found a pattern of domestic violence and harassment but are yet to establish evidence of dowry demands.A senior officer said: “So far, we haven’t found evidence of dowry, but there were repeated incidents of domestic violence. Vipin was also in contact with other women, which further strained ties.”Nikki’s father, Bhikhari Singh Payla, however, insists dowry demands were part of the abuse. He alleged that Vipin and his family had been pressuring Nikki for money and a car, while also accusing Vipin of having an affair.Husband’s Encounter And ArrestHours after Nikki’s death, Vipin was arrested but shot in the leg in an alleged escape bid while being taken to the crime scene. Police said he had snatched a pistol from an officer and opened fire. He is currently stable in hospital custody.Nikki’s mother-in-law Daya and brother-in-law Rohit have also been arrested, while police continue to search for her father-in-law Satyaveer.Father’s Demand For JusticeDevastated by his daughter’s brutal killing, Nikki’s father has demanded the harshest punishment. “They are butchers. They don’t deserve to live. I want an encounter,” he said, appealing directly to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.Meanwhile, Vipin attempted to portray the murder as suicide on social media, posting emotional Instagram stories declaring his innocence. In a hospital video, he said: “I have no regrets as I didn’t kill her. She died on her own.”Vipin’s Cousin Claims It Was Cylinder BlastOn the other hand, Vipin's cousin Devendra claimed that Nikki suffered burns from a cylinder blast in the kitchen. He also stated that, along with his uncle and aunt (Daya and Satveer), he took Nikki to the hospital."Aalong with uncle and aunty (Daya and Satveer), I took Nikki to hospital. She told us there was a cylinder blast inside the house and kept asking for water all the way to the hospital as she couldn't breathe. We took her to Fortis Hospital, where she also told the doctor about a cylinder blast," he said.