Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Who Is Moninder Singh Pandher After Nithari Killings Acquittal?
Moninder Singh Pandher was a businessman connected to the Nithari killings case.
He owned a house in Noida where Surendra Koli worked.
Skeletal remains of children were found in a drain behind the house in 2006.
Both men were arrested during the investigation.
Pandher was convicted in two cases at one stage.
Higher courts later overturned those convictions.
The Allahabad High Court acquitted him in the remaining cases in October 2023.
Pandher later said he also considered himself a victim and wanted justice.
The case received renewed attention after police reported Koli's alleged suicide in Haridwar.
Moninder Singh Pandher owned house D-5 in Nithari, Noida, where Surendra Koli worked as a domestic helper.
He was accused in the 2006 Nithari serial killings after skeletal remains were found in a drain behind his house.
Pandher was convicted in two cases, including one carrying a death sentence, but higher courts later overturned those convictions.
The Allahabad High Court acquitted Pandher in the two remaining cases against him in October 2023.
The case returned to attention after police reported that Surendra Koli allegedly died by suicide in Haridwar.
- Who
- Moninder Singh Pandher, businessman and former accused, and Surendra Koli, his former domestic helper and co-accused.
- What
- Pandher was acquitted in the remaining Nithari killings cases; the case drew renewed attention after police reported Koli's alleged suicide.
- When
- The killings came to light in 2006; Pandher was acquitted in October 2023, and Koli was reported to have died on a Friday after his 2025 acquittal.
- Where
- Pandher's house was in Nithari, Noida; Koli was reported to have died in the Sapt Rishi area of Haridwar.
- Why
- The case arose after skeletal remains of children were found in a drain behind Pandher's house.
Prosecution Allegations
Defense and Court Findings
Responsibility for the killings
Prosecution Allegations
Pandher and Koli were accused during the investigation into the Nithari killings, and Pandher was convicted in two cases before those convictions were overturned.
Defense and Court Findings
Pandher was acquitted by the Allahabad High Court in the two remaining cases, while the Supreme Court acquitted Koli in 2025; the courts highlighted shortcomings in the investigation and evidence.
Pandher's role
Prosecution Allegations
The prosecution case connected Pandher to the property where remains were found and alleged serious crimes involving women and children.
Defense and Court Findings
Pandher said he was also a victim of the case and publicly questioned who should be held accountable for the killings.
- Occupation
- Businessman from a wealthy transport business family
- Property
- House D-5 in Nithari, Noida
- Case connection
- Accused in the 2006 Nithari serial killings
- Earlier convictions
- Convicted in two cases and given a death sentence in one
- Final acquittal
- Allahabad High Court acquitted him in the two remaining cases in October 2023
- Public statement
- In November 2025, Pandher said he considered himself a victim and wanted justice
- Surendra Koli
- The Supreme Court acquitted Koli in 2025; police later reported his alleged suicide in Haridwar