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Sector 36, the recently released Netflix film starring Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, has sparked discussions due to its connection to the horrific 2006 Nithari killings. While the film claims to be inspired by multiple real-life crimes, the disturbing events of Nithari seem to be the primary inspiration. This article delves into the real-life case of Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli, the accused in the Nithari killings, and explores what happened after the gruesome crimes came to light.
The Gruesome Nithari Killings
In December 2006, the country was shocked when human remains were discovered near the residence of Moninder Singh Pandher in Nithari village, Noida. The local authorities accused Moninder and his house help, Surinder Koli, of abducting, raping, and killing children from the nearby areas. The case took an even darker turn when it was alleged that the accused had engaged in acts of cannibalism.
The horrific nature of the crimes, involving the abduction and brutal murders of multiple children, sparked nationwide outrage. Both men were arrested and put on trial, leading to judicial proceedings that lasted for years.
How Sector 36 Connects to the Nithari Case
Sector 36 is a fictionalized account of events, but many elements mirror the Nithari case. In the film, Vikrant Massey plays Prem Singh, a house help who kidnaps, rapes, and kills children, drawing obvious parallels to Surinder Koli. His employer, Balbir Singh Bassi, played by Akash Khurana, appears to be based on Moninder Singh Pandher.
Although the film doesn’t explicitly accuse Bassi of the same crimes as Prem, it suggests his involvement in an organ trafficking racket, an angle that was speculated in real life but never conclusively proven. The movie also introduces a subplot where the investigating officer is murdered while trying to gather evidence, hinting at the alleged corruption and influence that many believe allowed Pandher to walk free.
What Happened to Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli?
After their arrest in December 2006, Pandher and Koli faced multiple trials for the heinous crimes. However, their fates took very different turns over the years. In 2023, the Allahabad High Court overturned their death sentences, citing a lack of credible evidence against the accused.
Pandher’s lawyer, Manisha Bhandari, revealed that Surinder Koli was acquitted in 12 cases, while Moninder Singh Pandher was acquitted in two. The court highlighted the “botched” investigation carried out by the authorities, noting that the police seemed to have taken the “easy course” by pinning the blame on Koli, the “poor servant,” without exploring other serious angles, such as the possibility of an organized organ trading ring.
Despite these acquittals, Koli remains in prison, serving a life sentence for one of the cases. Meanwhile, Pandher was cleared of all charges and has walked free.
The Court’s Criticism of the Investigation
The High Court was especially critical of how the investigation was handled. The court noted that key evidence collection norms had been ignored, and the recording of Koli’s confession came under scrutiny. Koli’s confession, recorded after 60 days of police remand, was flagged for its questionable validity since he had not been provided with proper legal or medical assistance during that time.
The court expressed concern that the real motive behind the killings, including the potential involvement of organized crime such as organ trafficking, was not thoroughly investigated. This left many questions unanswered about the full extent of the crimes and who else may have been involved.
Pandher Walks Free, Koli Remains Behind Bars
While Moninder Singh Pandher has been acquitted and freed, Surinder Koli remains in jail, serving a life sentence for one of the many charges brought against him. This distinction has led to further debates on the fairness of the trial and whether justice was fully served in the Nithari case.
Conclusion
The real story behind Sector 36 is as disturbing as it is tragic. The Nithari killings shocked the nation, and though the courts have now acquitted both accused in most cases, questions about the investigation’s integrity continue to linger. The film may be a fictional account, but it brings back the chilling memories of one of India’s most horrifying criminal cases.
