Dear Sir,
My answers are as follows:
1) What should I do now? Should I still try to have a clear discussion with her family and try to see if it can be resolved amicably?
Ans: If possible you shall try the issue should be resolved amicably
2) What can she do against me/my family if the matter doesn't get resolved amicably?
Ans: your wife or her family can file a false 498a (dowry) case and DV case against you and your family?
3) How can I safeguard against any false case by her?
Ans: You can safeguard by her if follow the below guidelines:
A. Safeguard yourself, your parents and your relatives.
1) Be very polite in all circumstances. Record all conversations (voice, chat, email, letters, etc.) with those threatening and keep the originals in a safe place. Never produce the originals before anyone, not even before your lawyer.
2) Write a complaint to your nearest police station, detailing about blackmailing, her false allegations and her unscrupulous behavior. And request in your complaint to make her stop the threats and abuses immediately.
3) File RCR (Restitution of Conjugal Rights). Remember to include conditions that she should agree on before she starts living with you again.
4) Collect evidence to prove that you have neither demanded dowry or have taken it anytime.
5) Collect evidence to prove that she moved out of the bond of marriage for no apparent reason.
6) If she does not already know, make sure that she does not come to know that any of your family members is an NRI.
7) Don't remain home during weekends and holidays. Have proofs of where you were. For instance, if you were in a mall, have a credit card transaction in that mall and keep the copy of that transaction.