Cops rule out cylinder blast theory, probe murder angle

Investigators have ruled out the theory of a cylinder blast in the Nikki Bhati case, confirming instead that it is being probed as a murder case.

The police said an inspection of Nikki’s kitchen revealed no signs of an explosion, and the premises were found intact, something inconsistent with a blast.

The police also noted that Nikki’s marriage took place in 2016, nine years ago, which excludes the possibility of treating the case as a dowry death. Under Section 80(1) of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, a dowry death is defined as the unnatural death of a woman within seven years of marriage, caused by burns, injuries, or suspicious circumstances.

During searches, investigators recovered a sample of inflammable liquid from Nikki’s room, which has been sent for forensic analysis.

The case, which has seen multiple claims and counterclaims, had earlier sparked speculation that Nikki’s burn injuries were caused by a cylinder explosion. Reports also suggested that Nikki herself mentioned this at the hospital. However, police now believe she may have concealed the truth. “It is suspected she did not want anyone to go to jail, which is why she avoided blaming anyone in her last words,” an officer said.

Investigators are also examining video clips of the incident that have been circulating in the public domain.