In a significant development in the Nikki Yadav murder case, Delhi’s Dwarka Court has recorded the testimony of Nikki’s father, who revealed critical details about the investigation.
According to him, during a search of Nikki’s flat, the Delhi police uncovered the marriage certificate of Nikki and her live-in partner, Sahil Gehlot.
Nikki Yadav was reportedly murdered by Sahil in February 2023, with her body later found stuffed in a refrigerator at a dhaba in Mitraun village. Following the incident, the Delhi Police Crime Branch charged Sahil, along with his father and several other accomplices. The case is currently in the prosecution evidence stage after charges were framed against the accused.
During the proceedings, the Additional Sessions Judge’s Court listened to statements from Nikki’s father and sister. While the chief examination was completed, cross-examination has been postponed. Nikki’s father recounted that during the investigation, police took him to her flat in Uttam Nagar, where they discovered the marriage certificate.
He also mentioned that he attempted to contact Nikki, but her phone was off. After receiving her number from her sister Nidhi, he spoke to Sahil, who claimed Nikki had gone to Dehradun and that her phone was in his possession.
Furthermore, Sahil added that he was preoccupied with his marriage and would search for Nikki afterward.
On February 14, 2023, Nikki’s father received the heartbreaking news from the Delhi police that his daughter had been murdered. During his testimony, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) noted that the witness appeared to contradict his earlier statements made to the police. With the court’s approval, the APP proceeded to cross-examine him.
During cross-examination, Nikki’s father revealed that Nidhi had come home on February 11 and informed him about Sahil’s marriage on February 10. Upon learning this, Nikki confronted Sahil at the flat on February 9, leading to a heated argument regarding his impending marriage. The following morning, Sahil drove Nikki away from the flat.
The court has scheduled the continuation of the cross-examination for November 16. The accused, Lokesh Yadav, is being represented by advocate Kush Sharma.
On May 12, the Delhi police submitted a charge sheet against Sahil and five other co-accused for Nikki’s murder. The six accused are currently in judicial custody. The charge sheet, which spans 576 pages, details the alleged murder, evidence destruction, and criminal conspiracy, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 302 for murder.
Sahil was arrested on February 14, and subsequent arrests followed, including that of his father and two cousins, Ashish and Naveen, along with two friends, Amar and Lokesh. Police investigations revealed that Sahil had disclosed during questioning that Nikki had objected to his marriage with another girl, asserting they were already married in 2020. This plea from Nikki led to a conspiracy among the accused to eliminate her.
Ultimately, on February 10, 2023, following the execution of their plan, Sahil allegedly murdered Nikki, informing his accomplices the same day before proceeding with his marriage ceremony. The shocking nature of this case has drawn considerable public attention, underscoring the complexities of personal relationships intertwined with crime.
