Supreme Court Upholds Acquittal in Nithari Serial Killings

The Supreme Court dealt a decisive blow to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the families of the victims in the notorious 2006 Nithari case, dismissing 14 appeals on Wednesday against the acquittal of Surendra Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher. The apex court found no fault in the high court's prior decision to clear the accused of gruesome charges, much to the dismay of those seeking justice for the victims.

Originating from the chilling discovery of skeletal remains of children in a drain behind Pandher's residence, the case shook the nation. The CBI assumed control of the investigation soon after the news broke, recovering further remains that were predominantly linked to impoverished children and young women from the area.

The Supreme Court's decision hinged on the lack of concrete evidence against Koli and Pandher, as highlighted by Chief Justice B R Gavai and his bench. While the Evidence Act was cited, the prosecution's shifting stance did little to bolster their case, underlining the challenges of relying on circumstantial evidence alone.

(With inputs from agencies.)