Acquittal in Nithari Killing Case: Surendra Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher

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In a significant turn of events, the Allahabad High Court, in a verdict on Monday, acquitted the prime accused, Surendra Koli, in 12 cases where he had faced the death penalty trial in the horrifying Nithari killing case. Co-accused Moninder Singh Pandher was also acquitted in two cases for which he had been previously awarded the death penalty. This ruling effectively nullifies the death sentences that were originally imposed on both individuals in various cases related to the Nithari killings, as reported by sources.

The Nithari killings, which shook the nation to its core, originated from the discovery of multiple victims’ bodies in the backyard of Moninder Singh Pandher’s residence in Nithari village, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, back in 2006. The initial investigation began when a missing woman’s case led authorities to search the area behind Pandher’s house, where skeletal remains were discovered by the Noida Police.

The sensational nature of these killings first came to light on December 29, 2006, with the unearthing of eight skeletal remains of children from the drain situated behind Pandher’s residence. Both Pandher and Koli were subsequently arrested by the Noida Police in connection with these gruesome discoveries.

As the investigation continued, further digging and exploration in the vicinity of Pandher’s house led to the discovery of more skeletal remains. Many of these remains were identified as belonging to impoverished children and young women who had gone missing from the area. During police interrogations, Surendra Koli had reportedly confessed to the killings and even alleged involvement in cannibalism, leading to sensationalized headlines at the time.

The acquittal of the prime accused, Surendra Koli, and co-accused Moninder Singh Pandher, brings a new twist to this long-standing and disturbing case, which had captured the nation’s attention due to the heinous nature of the crimes involved.