Supreme Court Upholds Acquittal in Notorious Nithari Killings Case

The Supreme Court has affirmed the Allahabad High Court decision to acquit Moninder Singh Pandher and Surendra Koli in the 2006 Nithari killings case. The duo faced accusations of multiple murders and rapes, but the High Court's reversal of their death sentences has been upheld, despite challenges from the CBI and families.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday confirmed the acquittal of Moninder Singh Pandher and his domestic aide, Surendra Koli, in the infamous 2006 Nithari serial killings case, dismissing appeals from the Central Bureau of Investigation, Uttar Pradesh government, and victims' families.

A bench composed of Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Satish Chandra Sharma and K Vinod Chandran upheld the October 16, 2023, Allahabad High Court ruling that overturned past convictions and death sentences for Pandher and Koli. They had faced severe allegations of rape and murder, particularly involving children in Noida.

The case drew national outrage after skeletons were discovered in a drain near Pandher's property. While Koli was accused in all related cases, Pandher's involvement was in six. The Allahabad High Court had dropped their convictions in numerous instances due to insufficient evidence, inconsistencies, and lack of procedural fairness.

(With inputs from agencies.)