Remember the Nikki Bhati case that we covered in August 2025? The 28-year-old Greater Noida resident died at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital on August 21 after suffering severe burn injuries at her home in Sirsa village. Following her death, her family accused husband Vipin Bhati, mother-in-law Daya Bhati and other relatives of setting her on fire over dowry demands, leading to a murder case and a police chargesheet.
The case has now taken a dramatic turn. Nikki’s family has reached a settlement with the accused through a village panchayat, with properties reportedly transferred to her minor son as part of the agreement. In a major setback for the prosecution, Nikki’s sister Kanchan—who had earlier said that the in-laws were responsible for her sister’s death—has changed her statement in court. Around 20 days ago, she told the court that no one was present inside the house when the incident occurred, contradicting her earlier complaint. Kanchan has also reunited with her husband Rohit Bhati, and the couple is now set to move into a new home in Dadri.
Despite the compromise, the trial is not coming to an end. Since murder is a non-compoundable offence under Indian law, the Uttar Pradesh government will continue pursuing the case regardless of the settlement between the families. Police had earlier filed charges including murder, voluntarily causing hurt and criminal conspiracy.
