Father of Greater Noida Dowry Murder Victim Claims Crime Was Premeditated, Cites ‘Signboard’ as Evidence
RAMPUR NORTH, India – August 26, 2025:In a startling development in the Nikki Bhati dowry murder case in Greater Noida, the victim’s father, Bhikhari Singh Payla, said the crime was planned. He claims a new ‘signboard’ for a beauty parlor was found at the accused’s home. This suggests the murder was a calculated move to let Nikki’s sister, Kanchan, take over the business, adding to existing claims of domestic abuse and dowry demands. The family’s account clashes with earlier police reports that focused on a dispute over social media and business goals.
Family Says Murder Was Planned
Bhikhari Singh Payla’s statement adds a disturbing element to the case. He says his son-in-law, Vipin Bhati’s, family had a signboard ready for a beauty parlor for his younger daughter, Kanchan. He believes this proves the accused planned to kill Nikki to take her business and give it to her sister.
If Payla’s claim is true, it would change the case from a crime of passion to a premeditated murder for money. The family has consistently said that Nikki and Kanchan faced constant abuse and financial demands, including a car and up to Rs 36 lakh in cash.
Police Investigate Conflicting Stories
Greater Noida Police have arrested all four accused named in the FIR: husband Vipin Bhati, his father Satveer, mother Daya, and brother Rohit. Vipin Bhati was shot in the leg and arrested after allegedly trying to escape police custody. Police admit to domestic abuse but haven’t found solid proof to back the dowry charges, which the victim’s family insists on.
Vipin Bhati’s cousin, Devendra, claims Nikki was hurt in a kitchen cylinder explosion. Police are looking into this, as well as CCTV that reportedly shows Vipin Bhati at a local store at the time of the incident, complicating the timeline. The accused’s family says they are innocent, with Vipin claiming Nikki died on her own and that he feels no remorse.
Rising Tensions and Business Disputes
The couple’s issues reportedly came from Nikki’s wish to be financially independent. Nikki and Kanchan ran a beauty parlor together, using social media to get customers. This caused problems with the in-laws, who didn’t like their public presence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. A neighbor said the sisters closed the parlor six months before because of constant interference and that their choice to reopen it caused new arguments. The accused’s family would also take the sisters’ earnings from the parlor.
This tension over money and freedom seems to be a key motive, along with the dowry demands. The violence that followed, with videos reportedly recorded by Kanchan showing Nikki being dragged by her hair and later on fire, has shown the reality of dowry abuse and domestic violence. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has criticized the killing and wants a quick investigation and action against the people responsible.
History of Abuse and Failed Help
The deceased’s family says Nikki, who was married in 2016 at 18, experienced years of physical and money-related abuse. Her father says he gave her cash many times, from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, to keep peace. He also recalled when the sisters returned home after being beaten but were sent back after community members got involved and the in-laws promised to stop the abuse. These failed attempts are a pattern of rising violence that led to Nikki’s death.
