
Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh – A young woman’s life was cut short in a senseless act of violence that has left her family reeling and the community in shock. Nikki Shakya, just 23 years old and married for less than a year, was shot dead by her brother-in-law during a heated family argument. The tragedy unfolded on the night of August 27, 2025, in Ranveerpur village, under the Chhibramau police station area. What started as a simple dispute quickly turned deadly, exposing the dark side of family tensions that can erupt without warning.
Nikki had tied the knot with Krishnakant Shakya on December 2, 2024, full of hopes for a new life together. But on that fateful evening around 10 p.m., things went horribly wrong. Krishnakant and his elder brother Praveen got into a fight, with Praveen reportedly drunk and hurling abuses. Nikki stepped in to calm things down, trying to play peacemaker. In a fit of rage, Praveen grabbed an illegal .32 bore pistol and fired at her, the bullet hitting her temple and killing her on the spot. To hide their crime, Krishnakant, Praveen, and their sister-in-law Rani tried to make it look like a robbery. They scattered clothes from an open cupboard and called the police emergency line 112, claiming thieves had broken in and shot Nikki when she fought back.
When officers arrived, they found Nikki’s body near the door of a room in the house. At first glance, it seemed like a break-in, but something didn’t add up. The cash and jewelry were still there, untouched. Suspicious, the police brought in a field unit and a dog squad to check the scene. They took Krishnakant, Praveen, and Rani in for questioning. Under pressure, the trio cracked and admitted the truth, it was no robbery, just a family fight gone deadly.
Nikki’s heartbroken parents filed a complaint the next day, August 28, leading to the arrest of all three accused. The police recovered the pistol used in the shooting and sent Nikki’s body for a post-mortem exam to confirm the details. “We’ve solved the case quickly and have the weapon in hand,” a local officer said, though no further statements have been released as the investigation continues.
Just months ago, similar cases in nearby districts highlighted how alcohol and easy access to illegal guns fuel these tragedies. Nikki’s family is still in disbelief. She was their daughter, a young bride with dreams ahead. In the end, this story reminds us how fragile life can be. A moment of rage, and everything changes. Society must do better to prevent these losses.