Koli has now been acquitted in all 13 cases against him
In a major development in the infamous Nithari serial killings case, the Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted Surendra Koli in the last remaining murder case against him. With this verdict, Koli, who has already been acquitted in 12 other cases, is now set to walk free.
A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai set aside Koli's conviction in the 2006 murder of a 15-year-old girl. The court was hearing a curative petition filed by Koli challenging the 2011 Supreme Court judgment that had confirmed his conviction in this specific case.
During an earlier hearing, the apex court had observed that Koli's conviction seemed to be based merely on a statement and the recovery of a kitchen knife.
This verdict marks the end of a long legal battle in one of India's most horrifying criminal cases. The Nithari serial killings came to light in December 2006 after skeletal remains of multiple children were discovered in a drain behind the Noida residence of businessman Moninder Singh Pandher.
Both Pandher and Koli, his domestic help, were arrested. The case, which involved gruesome allegations of abduction, rape, and murder, was handed over to the CBI investigation team.
Over the years, Koli was convicted and sentenced to death in 12 different cases by trial courts. However, the Allahabad High Court later acquitted him in those 12 cases. Pandher was also acquitted in the cases against him.
The 13th case, involving the 15-year-old girl, was the only conviction that remained against Koli, which he had appealed. With the Supreme Court acquitting him in this final case as well, Koli is cleared of all charges related to the Noida murders that had shocked the nation nearly two decades ago.
