Woman set on fire by in-laws over dowry in Greater Noida, dies before her child

The victim, identified as Nikki, was married to Vipin in 2016 and lived with him and their son in Sirsa village under Kasna police station limits.

A woman in her mid-30s was allegedly beaten, dragged by her hair, and set on fire by her in-laws in Greater Noida, police said on Saturday.

The horrific incident, witnessed by her six-year-old son and sister, has sparked outrage after videos of the assault surfaced online.

The victim, identified as Nikki, was married to Vipin in 2016 and lived with him and their son in Sirsa village under Kasna police station limits. According to police, she was admitted to Fortis Hospital on Thursday night with severe burn injuries and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where she succumbed before officers could reach.

Nikki’s elder sister, Kanchan, who is married into the same family, alleged that her sibling was killed by her husband and in-laws for failing to meet a dowry demand of Rs 36 lakh.

“They demanded money again and again. On Thursday, they beat her brutally and then set her on fire,” Kanchan told reporters, holding Nikki’s son in her arms. She claimed the family wanted Nikki gone so that her husband could remarry.

Graphic videos of the incident have gone viral.

In one, Nikki is seen being assaulted and pulled out of the house by her hair. Another shows her, severely burnt, limping down the stairs while trying to escape.

Her young son, who witnessed the killing, recalled in a statement, “They poured something on my mother, slapped her, and then set her on fire with a lighter.”

Greater Noida Additional DCP Sudhir Kumar confirmed that a case has been registered on Kanchan’s complaint. “The post-mortem has been conducted. Nikki’s husband Vipin has been arrested, and teams have been formed to nab the remaining accused,” he said.

Kanchan also alleged that she herself has faced harassment and physical assault over dowry since her marriage into the same family. “They tortured both of us for years. I was beaten and left unconscious that day, too,” she said tearfully.

Police said the victim’s last rites have been performed by her family. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured that all accused will be brought to justice soon.