2006 Nithari Killings: SC To Hear Pleas Against Surendra Koli’s Acquittal On July 30

Nithari serial killings case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday scheduled July 30, 2025, as the next date of hearing in the appeals challenging the acquittal of Surendra Koli, a key accused in the 2006 Nithari serial killings.

The matter was listed before a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih.

During the brief hearing, the counsel representing one of the petitioners described the case as one of the most horrific crimes in recent memory, citing the discovery of children’s skeletal remains. In contrast, Koli’s lawyer contended that the case lacked direct witnesses and relied solely on circumstantial evidence.

The bench acknowledged that the matter would require considerable time for arguments and deferred the hearing until late July.

Background

The case reached the top court after the Allahabad High Court acquitted Koli and his employer Moninder Singh Pandher in October 2023. That ruling overturned multiple death sentences issued by a special CBI court, leading the CBI, the Uttar Pradesh government, and families of the victims to file appeals.

One of the appeals was brought by the father of a young victim, challenging what he described as a grave miscarriage of justice.

What Happened In Nithari?

The killings came to light in December 2006 after human remains were found in the drain behind Pandher’s residence in Nithari, a village in Noida on the outskirts of Delhi. Initial findings revealed the remains of at least eight children. Further investigations led to the recovery of more remains, raising concerns about a larger pattern of abductions and killings in the area.

Pandher and Koli were arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder, rape, and destruction of evidence. A total of 19 cases were registered in connection with the crimes. Of those, 16 cases went to trial, with the remaining three closed due to lack of evidence.

Court’s Observations

In its October 2023 ruling, the Allahabad High Court criticized the handling of the investigation, describing it as flawed and insufficient to secure a conviction. The court said the prosecution had failed to prove the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and that the investigation had “shaken public confidence in the justice system.”

The court reversed the death penalties handed to Koli in 12 cases and to Pandher in two, citing gaps in evidence and improper procedures.

Court is now set to examine these issues afresh and will begin substantive hearings in July. The outcome of this review could determine whether the acquittals stand or if a retrial is warranted.