Updated on: November 12, 2025 | 10:29 PM IST

NEW DELHI: Surendra Koli, long accused in the infamous 2006 Nithari serial killings, walked out of Luksar Jail in Gautam Buddh Nagar on Wednesday following his acquittal by the Supreme Court in the final case against him. The verdict, delivered on his curative petition, marks the end of nearly two decades of legal battles that saw Koli repeatedly convicted, sentenced, and later acquitted in one of India’s most notorious criminal cases.

Koli had been implicated in a series of gruesome murders in Nithari village, Noida, where skeletal remains of children and young women were discovered behind the residence of businessman Moninder Singh Pandher in late 2006. Over the years, Koli became the focus of national outrage, accused of raping and murdering minors and participating in alleged acts of cannibalism — allegations that have since been deeply scrutinized.

Supreme Court Acquits Koli in Final Case

A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath allowed Koli’s curative petition, quashing his conviction, sentence, and fine, and ordered his immediate release, provided he was not held for any other case or proceeding.

The bench noted that Koli’s conviction rested heavily on a single statement and the recovery of a kitchen knife, raising serious concerns about the adequacy of evidence in a case that had such profound consequences.

“This judgment exposes the fissures in the criminal justice system and underscores how easily evidence can be fabricated, particularly against poor and marginalized individuals,” said Payoshi Roy, Koli’s lawyer. “My client was almost executed twice. Had he been put to death, the truth of his innocence would never have emerged. This judgment should compel us to rethink the death penalty and the treatment of vulnerable populations in our justice system.”

A Long Legal Journey

Surendra Koli’s legal ordeal began in the aftermath of the Nithari killings, when he was accused alongside Pandher of multiple murders and sexual assaults in Noida. Key milestones in his case include:

• 2011: The Supreme Court upheld Koli’s conviction in one of the earliest cases.
• 2014: His review plea was dismissed, leaving him facing the death sentence.
• 2015: The Allahabad High Court commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment due to delays in deciding his mercy petition.
• October 2023: The Allahabad High Court acquitted Koli and co-accused Pandher in several other Nithari cases, overturning prior death sentences.
• July 2025: The Supreme Court dismissed all appeals by the CBI and victims’ families challenging the acquittals.
• November 2025: The Supreme Court allowed Koli’s curative petition, ending the last legal battle and granting him complete acquittal.

The Nithari Killings: A Grim Chapter in Noida

The Nithari case first came to public attention on December 29, 2006, when skeletal remains of eight children were found in a drainage near Pandher’s house in Sector-31, Noida. Investigations revealed that the killings had occurred over 2005–2006, targeting poor children and young women in the area.

Koli, who worked as a domestic help, was accused of assisting Pandher in the serial killings. Subsequent searches around Pandher’s residence uncovered more skulls, bones, and body parts, escalating the case into a national scandal that attracted widespread media attention.

The case became infamous not only for the nature of the crimes but also for the controversies surrounding evidence collection, forensic analysis, and the treatment of the accused in the media and judicial system.

Lawyer Critiques Criminal Justice System

Payoshi Roy, Koli’s defense lawyer, emphasized the systemic flaws exposed by the case. “This case shows how sensational claims, such as alleged cannibalism, can numb judicial scrutiny and lead to miscarriages of justice,” Roy said. “Poor and marginalized individuals are particularly vulnerable, and Koli’s case highlights how easily the system can almost execute an innocent person.”

Roy also suggested that the verdict should reignite discussions around the death penalty in India, particularly in cases where evidence is circumstantial or flimsy.

Public and Legal Implications

The acquittal of Surendra Koli has reignited debates over judicial errors, media sensationalism, and the death penalty. Legal experts note that this case underscores the importance of robust evidence, proper forensic procedures, and protection of rights for the accused, especially in high-profile criminal cases.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment is a reaffirmation that the justice system must prioritize truth over theatrics, especially in cases that can lead to irreversible punishments like the death penalty,” said senior criminal law expert Dr. Anjali Mehta.

Conclusion

After nearly two decades of trials, appeals, and overturned convictions, Surendra Koli is finally a free man, walking out of Luksar Jail as a legally acquitted individual. While the Nithari killings remain a dark chapter in India’s criminal history, Koli’s acquittal has brought attention to deep-rooted issues within India’s justice system — particularly how vulnerable individuals can be caught in the crosshairs of sensationalized criminal cases.

For many, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of flawed investigations, the pressures of media sensationalism, and the importance of judicial scrutiny in protecting the rights of all citizens.