Greater Noida has been shaken by a brutal case of dowry violence after a 26-year-old woman, Nikki, was allegedly set on fire by her husband and in-laws in Sirsa village. The attack took place on August 21, 2025, in front of her young son and elder sister.
Despite giving cars and other valuables at the time of her marriage, Nikki’s family says she was relentlessly harassed for an additional cash dowry of ₹36 lakh. Police reports and statements from her sister suggest she endured years of abuse that escalated into fatal violence.
On the day of the assault, Nikki was beaten, doused in an inflammable liquid, and set ablaze. She was rushed first to Fortis Hospital and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, but succumbed to her injuries before treatment could continue.
Her husband, Vipin, has been arrested, while his parents and brother—also named in the FIR—remain absconding. Police have filed charges of murder and conspiracy, though dowry harassment provisions have not yet been invoked.
The tragedy has also exposed the broader scope of abuse within the family. Nikki’s elder sister Kanchan, who is married into the same household, revealed that she too faced repeated harassment and violence over dowry. The family claims they had raised complaints earlier, but no meaningful action was taken.
Nikki’s six-year-old son, who witnessed the crime, has given statements to authorities. His testimony has highlighted the brutality of the attack and deepened public outrage.
The case has triggered protests and renewed debate over India’s dowry system and the failures in enforcing existing laws. Activists and women’s rights groups are demanding swift justice for Nikki and stronger measures to ensure women are protected from such violence.
