Surinder Koli’s Confession Was Forced, Says Supreme Court While Freeing Nithari Convict

Last Updated:November 12, 2025, 14:44 IST

Highlighting glaring deficiencies in the probe, the Supreme Court said investigators failed to pursue crucial leads, including potential links to organ trade.

SC Frees Nithari Convict Surinder Koli. (PTI images)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday delivered a scathing critique of the police investigation into the Nithari killings, finding that the case against Surinder Koli was built on weak circumstantial evidence unsupported by forensic proof. The bench, comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Vikram Nath, ordered Koli’s immediate release after nearly two decades in jail.

The court observed that the confession allegedly made by Koli was unreliable, noting that he had been kept in custody for over 60 days without access to legal counsel or medical examination. As per reports, SC also took serious note of the trial magistrate’s remarks that Koli may have been tutored or tortured while in custody and forced to confess the crime.

Neglected leads and forensic lapses

Highlighting glaring deficiencies in the probe, the Supreme Court said investigators failed to pursue crucial leads, including potential links to organ trade. The bench also pointed to significant procedural lapses such as delays in securing the crime scene, contradictory remand papers, lack of timely medical checks, and incomplete forensic records.

The court said the evidence did not explain how a “semi-educated domestic help with no medical training" could have precisely dismembered bodies. It further observed that the knives, axes, and remains recovered from the premises had no admissible link to Koli.

No proof

The bench noted that forensic analysis found no human bloodstains or remains inside House D-5 in Nithari consistent with the alleged crimes. Investigators, it said, failed to question key household members and neighbours who might have provided vital testimony.

Upholding the Allahabad High Court’s earlier acquittal, the Supreme Court said conviction cannot rest on suspicion or coerced confession. “While the anguish of the victims’ families is undeniable," the bench said, “criminal law demands proof beyond reasonable doubt."

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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