[Nithari Serial Killings] SC Agrees to Hear CBI Pleas Against HC Verdict Acquitting Surendra Koli

The Supreme Court agreed Today (July 8th) to hear pleas filed by the CBI challenging the Allahabad High Court’s verdict acquitting Surendra Koli in the sensational 2006 Nithari serial killings case. The Apex Court sought a response from Koli on separate pleas filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the high court’s verdict dated October 16, 2023.

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NEW DELHI: On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear pleas filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the Allahabad High Court’s decision to acquit Surendra Koli in the infamous 2006 Nithari serial killings case.

A bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan has sought a response from Koli regarding the CBI’s separate pleas against the high court’s verdict dated October 16, 2023.

Earlier in May, the Supreme Court had agreed to hear a plea filed by the father of one of the victims, challenging the high court’s acquittal of Koli. The bench noted that the CBI’s pleas would be heard alongside this petition.

The Nithari killings shocked the nation when, on December 29, 2006, the skeletal remains of eight children were discovered in a drain behind a house in Nithari, Noida, adjacent to the national capital.

Subsequent searches and further excavation of drains in the vicinity led to the recovery of additional skeletal remains. The majority of these remains belonged to impoverished children and young women who had gone missing from the area.

Within ten days of the initial discovery, the CBI took over the investigation, leading to the recovery of more remains during their extensive search efforts.

Background

The Nithari serial killings case is one of the most gruesome criminal cases in Indian history. The horror came to light on December 29, 2006, when skeletal remains of eight children were discovered in a drain behind a house in Nithari, Noida. Further investigations revealed more skeletal remains in the vicinity, most of which belonged to children and young women from impoverished backgrounds who had gone missing.

Investigation and Arrests

The initial investigation was conducted by the local police, but the severity and scope of the crimes prompted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over within ten days. The primary accused were Surendra Koli, a domestic helper, and Moninder Singh Pandher, the owner of the house where the remains were found. Koli was accused of committing the murders and acts of cannibalism, while Pandher was accused of involvement in the crimes and abetting Koli.

Legal Proceedings

The trial began amidst intense public scrutiny and media coverage. Koli was convicted in multiple cases related to the murders and was sentenced to death by the trial court. Pandher, on the other hand, faced varied outcomes in different cases. In some instances, he was acquitted due to lack of evidence, while in others, he was convicted but later acquitted on appeal.

High Court Verdict

On October 16, 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted Surendra Koli in one of the cases related to the Nithari killings. This verdict was a significant development, as it overturned previous convictions and raised questions about the handling and investigation of the case. The High Court’s decision was challenged by the CBI, leading to the current proceedings in the Supreme Court.

While the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the CBI’s plea against Koli’s acquittal is a step towards seeking justice, it is also a moment for reflection on the broader systemic issues that allow such heinous crimes to occur and sometimes go unpunished.

The focus should be on ensuring a fair trial, holding the guilty accountable, and implementing reforms to protect vulnerable populations better.

Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Nithari serial killings

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