Greater Noida: In a surprising twist to the dowry harassment case involving Nikki Bhati, her own family, who had earlier accused her in-laws of setting her on fire, has now come under scrutiny after fresh allegations of dowry and domestic violence surfaced against them.

Reports surfaced on Wednesday that Meenakshi, the sister-in-law of Nikki and wife of her brother Deepak, had previously filed a police complaint against the latter in 2024, accusing them of demanding dowry and physically assaulting her.

According to Meenakshi’s FIR, the abuse began merely two months after her marriage when Deepak allegedly started beating her, expressing dissatisfaction over the car given as dowry, a Maruti Ciaz. She claimed he had demanded a Scorpio instead and even went on to sell the Ciaz.

Meenakshi also stated that she was financially supported by her father until his passing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following his death, she claimed the abuse intensified. She further alleged that her in-laws, including her father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-laws Nikki and Kanchan, also physically assaulted her.

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Following the initial FIR, both families reportedly reached a verbal settlement. As part of this arrangement, Deepak's family allegedly agreed to pay ₹35 lakh to Meenakshi’s family in exchange for the withdrawal of the case. However, Meenakshi claims that the money was never paid, and the harassment continued.

When the situation reportedly worsened, Meenakshi’s brother attempted to bring her back home. Officials say he was allegedly attacked by members of the Bhati family, and his vehicle was also vandalised in the process.

The case, which initially centred on Nikki's allegations of being set ablaze by her in-laws over a ₹36 lakh dowry, now sees both sides of the family entangled in serious charges of domestic violence and dowry harassment.

Both sisters, Kanchan and Nikki, were married into the Bhati family, linking both women to the ongoing dowry and assault controversy.