‘Matter of deep regret’ that actual perpetrator of Nithari killings not identified

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it was a matter of “deep regret” that the identity of the actual perpetrator of the heinous Nithari killings was not established despite prolonged investigation.

A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath said the offences were heinous and the suffering of the families was beyond measure.

“It is a matter of deep regret that despite prolonged investigation, the identity of the actual perpetrator has not been established in a manner that meets the legal standards,” the bench said, while acquitting Surendra Koli in the last Nithari murder case.

The sensational Nithari killings came to light with the discovery of the skeletal remains of eight children from a drain behind businessman Moninder Singh Pandher’