Greater Noida: A man accused of setting his wife on fire over a dowry dispute was shot in the leg by police while attempting to escape custody on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

Vipin Bhati, a resident of Sirsa village under Kasna Police Station limits, was being escorted for a routine medical check-up around 1:30 pm when he tried to run away, according to a spokesperson from the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police.

“He was chased and apprehended after being shot in the leg,” the officer said.

In a chilling statement to ANI following the encounter, Bhati said, "I have no remorse. I haven't killed her. She died on her own. Husband and wife often have fights, it is very common."

Disturbing evidence surfaces

Bhati was arrested on Saturday after distressing videos appeared on social media showing him and another woman assaulting his wife, Nikki, and dragging her by the hair. Another clip showed Nikki, severely burnt, walking down a staircase before collapsing.

Nikki succumbed to her injuries while being taken to a hospital late Thursday night.

Victim’s family alleges brutal dowry torture and murder

Nikki’s elder sister, Kanchan, who is married into the same family, recorded the attack and accused Bhati and his family of killing her sister over a dowry demand of ₹36 lakh.

“We were beaten and tortured for days. They were demanding Rs 36 lakh. They hit her on the neck and head, threw acid, and set her on fire in front of her child,” Kanchan told reporters. She added that she was assaulted when she tried to intervene.

"They slapped me. I was injured and unconscious the entire day," added Kanchan.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sudhir Kumar said police were informed by Fortis Hospital about a woman with burn injuries who was referred to Safdarjung Hospital.

“Police immediately left for Safdarjung Hospital, but the woman succumbed to her injuries before the team could reach the hospital,” he said.

Nikki was cremated by her family members.

A case was registered against Nikki's husband, Bhati, and his family at Kasna Police Station.

Nikki married Vipin in 2016 and the couple has a son.