In a stinging indictment of the police investigation into the Nithari killings, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that negligence, procedural lapses, and delay had “corroded the fact-finding process” and foreclosed avenues that might have led to the real perpetrator. The Court expressed “deep regret” that despite a prolonged probe, the actual identity of the offender had not been established in a manner that met legal standards.

Delivering its judgment setting aside Surendra Koli's last remaining conviction, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath observed that the criminal justice system cannot convict a person on the basis of conjecture or suspicion, however grave the crime may be.

“The offences in Nithari were heinous, and t

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