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Nithari murders: Death sentence for Moninder Pandher, Koli in ninth case

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Nithari murders: Death sentence for Moninder Pandher, Koli in ninth case

This is the third of 16 Nithari killing cases in which a CBI court in Ghaziabad has pronounced a death sentence for Moninder Pandher and his aide Surendra Koli

Over a decade after skeletons literally tumbled out of the backyard of his home and took the lid off what came to be known as the Nithari killings case, a CBI court in Ghaziabad,on Friday, sentenced businessman Moninder Singh Pandher to death in one of the 16 serial rape and murder cases filed against him and his close aide, Surendra Koli. Koli, accused not just rape and murder but also of eating the flesh of his dead victims has also been sentenced to death.

This is the third of 16 cases against Pandher in which he has been sentenced to death. Koli on the other hand has been awarded the death penalty in eight other cases related to the Nithari killings. The duo has been held guilty in nine of the 16 cases filed against them for the rapes and murders while trial is still on in the remaining cases.

Special CBI judge PK Tiwari noted in his order that Koli and Pandher were involved in the rape and murder of housemaid Anjali in 2006, and that they deserved to be punished in the strictest manner. The judge noted that Koli, Pandher’s domestic help and partner-in-crime, had dragged the victim inside the house, made her unconscious, raped her, and then ate her flesh.

“Death sentence (for Koli) is the only option in law. Both (Moninder Singh Pandher and Surendra Koli) are to be hanged till death,” the judge said.

On Thursday, the court had held the duo guilty under Sections 376 (rape), 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence or false information) of the Indian Penal Code.

The Nithari killings, which had shocked the nation’s collective consciousness due to the extent of their perversity, involved the abduction of children – mostly slum dwellers – and young housemaids, their sexual assault and rape. Nearly all the victims had been murdered and the investigative agencies had later claimed that Koli had also consumed the flesh of many of the victims after they died. During investigations, several skulls and bones – said to be of the victims of Pandher and Koli’s crimes – were found from the backyard of Pandher’s sprawling home in the Nithari locality of Noida’s Sector 31.

The CBI had not charge-sheeted Pandher in the case on which the special CBI court pronounced its verdict on Friday. However, the court had, during proceedings in the case, summoned Pandher as accused under provision of 319 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and convicted him along with Surendra Koli.

The case disposed of by the CBI court on Friday was about the rape and murder of a 25-year-old maid, Anjali. The police said that Anjali had not returned to her home on October 12, 2006 which had prompted her kin to file a missing persons report with the Noida police. The search for Anjali had led the cops to Pandher’s Nithari residence, where the maid was last seen by some locals.

Koli, who was arrested on December 29, 2006, had led the police to recover some 16 skulls and bones from the backyard of Pandher’s residence. One of the skulls recovered had matched with the DNA of Anjali’s mother and brother. This was the strongest evidence in the case to prove Pandher and Koli guilty, said prosecution lawyer JP Sharma.

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Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi after fresh Trump tariffs

Addressing the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session on the banks of the Sabarmati River on Wednesday, Gandhi warned that an “economic storm” is looming over India.

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Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, accusing him of yielding to pressure from US President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of tariffs, questioning Modi’s leadership and silence on critical issues.

Addressing the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session on the banks of the Sabarmati River on Wednesday, Gandhi warned that an “economic storm” is looming over India.

“Did you see the photograph of PM Modi hugging Trump? This time, Trump didn’t just hug; he ordered Modi ji to accept new tariffs without a word of protest. To distract from this, they staged a two-day drama in Parliament,” Gandhi said, taunting, “Where is the PM hiding?” He also took a jibe at Modi’s earlier “56-inch chest” rhetoric, implying a lack of assertiveness on the global stage.

Gandhi further criticized Modi’s recent meeting with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, pointing out what he described as contradictory stances. “Yunus gives adverse remarks, yet he is sitting with him. What kind of leadership is this?” he questioned, highlighting what he sees as inconsistency in Modi’s foreign policy.

Turning to domestic issues, Gandhi strongly condemned the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it “anti-Constitutional” and an assault on religious freedom. “This Act is not just an attack on one community; it’s a threat to the freedom of religion itself,” he warned, alleging that the BJP and RSS have broader designs.

Citing an article in an RSS-affiliated magazine, he claimed that after targeting Muslims, the BJP-RSS would soon turn their attention to the rights of Christians and Sikhs.

Gandhi also outlined the Congress party’s strategy to counter these challenges. He announced plans to empower and strengthen District Congress Committees and their leaders, positioning them as the backbone of the organization moving forward.

On the issue of social justice, he reiterated the party’s commitment to a caste census, stating, “We will break the 50 percent reservation barrier. What Telangana has done, we will do across the country.”

He accused the RSS’s ideology of being fundamentally opposed to the Constitution, claiming, “They want to control all institutions in the country.” Gandhi urged party leaders to brace for a tough fight to defend the Constitution, emphasizing, “They have all the resources, but we have truth and the love of the people on our side.”

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Nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic: Toll crosses 114

As concrete slabs crashed down, more than 114 people were killed, and many others were trapped on a packed dance floor where attendees were enthusiastically enjoying a merengue concert early Tuesday morning. Authorities reported over 255 injuries.

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The iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo was bustling with musicians, athletes, and government officials when debris began to fall from the ceiling, landing in patrons’ drinks.

Tragedy struck with the collapse of the entire roof, claiming the lives of at least 98 individuals and injuring around 160 in one of the worst nightclub disasters in the Dominican Republic’s history. As concrete slabs crashed down, more than 114 people were killed, and many others were trapped on a packed dance floor where attendees were enthusiastically enjoying a merengue concert early Tuesday morning. Authorities reported over 255 injuries.

Among the deceased was Rubby Pérez, a beloved merengue star who had been performing just moments before the calamity. His body was recovered early Wednesday, according to emergency operations director Juan Manuel Méndez.

Rescue teams continued to search for survivors more than a day after the incident. “We will remain here as long as there are reports of missing persons,” Méndez stated.

Assistance arrived from rescue teams from Puerto Rico and Israel on Wednesday to aid local officials in their efforts.

As night fell on Tuesday, families and friends still searching for their loved ones gathered outside the club, where a guitarist played soothing melodies while they sang hymns.

Only 32 victims have been identified thus far in what is marked as one of the Dominican Republic’s deadliest disasters. Reports indicate that among the victims were a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, and the brother of the vice minister of Youth.

Also among the deceased are MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as confirmed by Satosky Terrero, spokesperson for the Professional Baseball League.

Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, informed President Luis Abinader about the disaster. Tragically, she called for help from beneath the rubble but later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital.

Other casualties included saxophonist Luis Solís, who was performing on stage when the roof fell, several Venezuelan bartenders, and an Army officer who left behind four daughters. Grupo Popular, a financial services firm, noted that three of its employees perished, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. Unfortunately, many more victims remain unidentified.

“I’ve searched all the hospitals and haven’t found her,” lamented Deysi Suriel, who was desperately trying to locate her friend, 61-year-old Milca Curiel, during her vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Numerous anxious relatives flocked to the National Institute of Forensic Pathology to search through lists of victims, while others scoured hospitals, clutching photos of their loved ones.

“There’s a lot of pain,” commented Senator Daniel Rivera, the former public health minister. “We must exercise patience.”

Among those desperately looking for their families was Kimberly Jones, whose godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his friends were unaccounted for.

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Air India passenger allegedly urinates on fellow passenger onboard Delhi-Bangkok flight

Air India issued a statement acknowledging the incident, stating, “Air India confirms that an incident of unruly passenger behavior was reported to the cabin crew operating flight AI2336 from Delhi to Bangkok on April 9, 2025.

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Air India flight

In a disturbing incident of unruly behavior on an aircraft, a passenger on an Air India flight from Delhi to Bangkok allegedly urinated on a fellow traveler in the business class cabin on Wednesday, April 9, officials confirmed. The episode has sparked outrage and prompted swift action from both the airline and authorities.

According to reports, the incident occurred aboard Air India flight AI 2336, where the accused, seated in seat 2D of the business class, targeted a nearby passenger, who is reportedly the Managing Director of a major company. While the victim has not yet lodged a formal complaint, the accused has offered an apology for his actions, which have been widely condemned as unacceptable.

Air India issued a statement acknowledging the incident, stating, “Air India confirms that an incident of unruly passenger behavior was reported to the cabin crew operating flight AI2336 from Delhi to Bangkok on April 9, 2025.

The crew followed all established procedures, and the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities.” The airline added that, in addition to warning the unruly passenger, the crew offered assistance to the aggrieved passenger to file a grievance with officials in Bangkok, but this offer was declined at the time.

A company spokesperson further explained that the case would be reviewed by the airline’s Standing Independent Committee, which will assess the incident and decide on any potential actions against the offender. “Air India continues to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in handling such matters,” the spokesperson said.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation. “Whenever incidents of this nature occur, the Ministry takes note. We will engage with the airline, and if any wrongdoing is identified, necessary action will be taken,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to passenger safety and decorum on flights.

The incident has reignited concerns about passenger behaviour on Indian airlines, which have faced similar cases in the past.

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