Twist in Noida Dowry Case: Fresh Allegations Against Nikki Bhati’s Family

The tragic dowry death case of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati in Noida has taken yet another dramatic turn. While Nikki’s family had earlier accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment that eventually led to her horrific death, new allegations have now surfaced — this time against her own family.

Sister-in-Law Steps Forward

Nikki’s sister-in-law, Minakshi, who was married to Nikki’s brother Rohit Payla in 2016, has claimed that she too was subjected to dowry harassment by the Payla family.

According to Minakshi, her family had given a Maruti Suzuki Ciaz as dowry at the time of her marriage, but her in-laws dismissed it as “inauspicious” and sold it. They allegedly went on to demand a Scorpio SUV and cash instead. When these demands were not met, Minakshi says she was forced to return to her parental home.

Panchayat Intervention

The matter reached the village panchayat, where it was suggested that either Rohit’s family return the ₹35 lakh spent on the wedding so Minakshi could remarry, or that she be accepted back into the family. Neither resolution worked, and Minakshi alleges that Nikki’s father, Bhikhari Singh Payla, and others never accepted her.

Heated Dispute

When Rohit was asked about these allegations, he refused to comment, dismissing them as “mere allegations.” Another family member, however, admitted tensions had escalated so far that guns were drawn between the families. “Fights happen in every house. At least we did not burn the girl,” the relative controversially remarked.

Adding another twist, Satyavir Singh, Nikki’s arrested father-in-law, had allegedly tried to mediate between the families in Minakshi’s case, pressing Bhikhari Singh Payla to settle the matter.

Larger Questions Over Dowry System

These fresh allegations have further complicated the ongoing probe into Nikki’s death. Nikki was burnt alive by her in-laws last week, after years of alleged abuse and repeated demands for dowry. Her final moments, caught on video as she stumbled down the stairs engulfed in flames, sparked nationwide outrage.

Ironically, Nikki’s own family has previously been seen defending the dowry practice. Her father openly admitted to giving cars, cash, and gold in marriage, stating, “This is how marriages happen in our clan.”

A Cycle of Exploitation

The revelations point to a disturbing cycle: dowry, though illegal, continues to be normalized within communities. Nikki’s tragic death and Minakshi’s claims both underline how deeply entrenched and destructive this practice remains.

As investigations continue, one thing is clear — the Noida case is no longer just about a single family tragedy. It has become a mirror reflecting the wider social acceptance of dowry, despite its devastating human cost.