Nithari Murder Case: Victims' Families Left in Despair After Supreme Court Acquits Accused

The silence in Nithari village is overwhelming following Koli's acquittal in the infamous serial murder case.

New Delhi's attention was captured by the horrific serial murders that occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Noida back in 2006. These gruesome crimes took place at businessman Moninder Singh Pandher's residence in Nithari village, located in Sector-31, Noida. Both Pandher and his domestic help Surinder Koli were identified as suspects. However, in 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted them, citing insufficient evidence.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted Koli in the final pending case and directed his immediate release.

In the aftermath of Koli's acquittal, a profound silence has descended upon Nithari village. The families who lost their loved ones and waited years for justice now find themselves in a state of utter despair.

The case first emerged in 2006 when human remains were discovered near the D-5 residence in Nithari, owned by Moninder Singh Pandher.

The horrifying discoveries, which revealed the disappearance and murders of numerous children and women, sparked nationwide outrage and instilled terror within the local community.

Following thorough investigations, authorities arrested both Pandher and Koli. Police accused them of kidnapping, sexual assault, murder, and disposal of bodies of children and women.

Initially, both men received death sentences. However, in 2023, the Allahabad High Court overturned these convictions due to lack of sufficient evidence.

When the NDTV team traversed the streets of Nithari after the Supreme Court's Tuesday ruling, they found the village's collective pain had only intensified.

Outside the infamous D-5 house sat Lakshmi, whose eight-year-old daughter vanished in 2006. She continues to ask the same heartbreaking question: "What was our daughter's fault?"

Lakshmi expressed her disappointment: "We had faith in the police, but justice has eluded us. After all these years, we feel completely defeated." She added that the voices of impoverished families were ignored during the investigation process.

"When children started disappearing in 2006, fear gripped everyone. Various rumors circulated—some mentioned doctors, others suggested different theories—but the truth remained elusive," she continued.

She expressed hope that the Uttar Pradesh government would eventually deliver justice for the victims.

Jhabu and Sunita, natives of Nithari who lost their ten-year-old daughter Jyoti, fear that Pandher and Koli might commit similar crimes again if free.

In his conversation with NDTV, Jhabu revealed, "We provided ironing services for the Pandher household. Our Jyoti left to get her dupatta stitched but never returned. Her clothes and footwear were later discovered at Pandher's residence."

Sunita lamented, "If my daughter were alive today, I would have grandchildren. Now only divine justice remains."

The women of Nithari who resided in the village during the serial murders continue to live in fear.

They believe both Pandher and Koli should have faced capital punishment. Despite extensive media coverage, victims' families and other residents are reluctant to speak out, saying, "What's the purpose of speaking? The matter will eventually fade from memory..."