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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.

India News

RN Ravi triggers outrage after Jai Shri Ram remark at student event, academic bodies, political leaders demand Tamil Nadu Governor’s removal

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi is in a fresh controversy after allegedly urging students to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’. This follows a Supreme Court verdict that deemed his delay in clearing state Bills illegal.

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Tamil Nadu governor RN Ravi

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, already under sharp criticism following a Supreme Court verdict that called his delay in assenting to key state legislation “illegal” and “arbitrary”, has now courted fresh controversy. The Governor is alleged to have asked students to chant “Jai Shri Ram” during a recent public function — drawing sharp reactions from academics and opposition leaders.

The incident, coming shortly after the apex court rebuked the Governor for withholding 10 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly for over three years, has intensified demands for his removal from office.

The State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) issued a strong statement accusing Governor Ravi of violating his constitutional oath under Article 159, which obligates Governors to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

“Mr RN Ravi failed to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions. He should be removed from the Office of Governor of Tamil Nadu forthwith,” the statement read.

The group described the act of urging students to chant a religious slogan as an inappropriate imposition in a secular academic space, and contrary to the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Senior Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil also took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticise Governor Ravi.

“After being slammed by the Supreme Court and blocked by the State Government, he’s now resorting to stunts like making students chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ just to irritate the system,” Senthil wrote.

He further accused the Governor of attempting to send a “dangerous message” of arrogance and defiance, undermining both judicial authority and constitutional norms.

As of now, Raj Bhavan has not issued any clarification or response to the allegations, despite repeated attempts by media outlets to reach out.

This row follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier in the week where the bench criticised Governor RN Ravi for withholding assent to 10 state Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly — some pending for over three years. The court said the Governor had not acted in good faith and described the delay as unconstitutional.

In a significant move, the court also ruled that the Bills shall be deemed cleared from the date they were resent to the Governor for a second time, effectively overriding the delay.

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Who was Hemraj Meena, the Pulwama martyr whose daughter’s wedding was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla?

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’.

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla fulfilled a promise he made six years ago by participating in the wedding rituals of the daughter of a martyr from Pulwama, held in Kota, Rajasthan. He took part in the traditional ceremonies typically performed by the bride’s uncle or her mother’s brother.

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’. He is the representative of the Kota-Bundi constituency in Parliament and attended the wedding of 25-year-old Reena, the daughter of Hemraj Meena, who died in the Pulwama attack, in the Sangod area of Kota.

Who was Hemraj Meena?

Hemraj Meena served as a head constable in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was from Vinod Kalan village in Sangod, Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife, Madhubala Meena, and their daughter Reena. Hemraj lost his life in the 2019 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.

In the wake of Hemraj’s death, Om Birla pledged to support his family. Since then, he has been actively involved in their lives, celebrating festivals and providing assistance.

At the wedding, Birla played a significant role by presenting a ceremonial ‘odhni’ and other gifts to Madhubala, while also honouring the memory of Hemraj Meena and taking part in numerous wedding rituals. State Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar accompanied him at the event.

Birla expressed his emotions about the occasion by sharing photos from the ceremony on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “My heart is filled with pride and joy that our daughter Reena is now going to start her new life. This moment is not only emotionally significant for the family but also a source of pride, as it reflects the love, values, and aspirations that have come to fruition. The unique sacrifice and unwavering dedication of Martyr Hemraj Meena Ji to our nation continue to inspire us all.”

He concluded by wishing for Reena’s married life to be filled with love, trust, and harmony, praying that she always finds happiness, prosperity, and respect in her new journey.

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Cricket news

IPL 2025: RCB goes green against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, here’s why

RCB took the field in green jerseys against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, continuing their campaign to promote environmental awareness and tree plantation.

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RCB green jersey

In a visually distinct appearance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took the field in green jerseys instead of their traditional red-and-black colours during their IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. The reason? A sustainability campaign aimed at encouraging the plantation of more trees.

Speaking at the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar explained the significance of the green kit.

“This (green jersey) is to raise awareness to plant more trees,” he said, confirming that RCB would bowl first and play an unchanged XI for match 28 of the tournament.

RCB’s green jersey initiative is not new to fans of the franchise. It has been a recurring feature over multiple seasons of the IPL, often worn during one designated home or away game. The objective is to promote environmental consciousness, especially in urban centres, by delivering a simple yet powerful message — “Go Green.”

This year, the campaign gained added visibility with the team playing in Jaipur, and the vibrant green jerseys provided a sharp contrast against Rajasthan Royals’ trademark pink kit.

Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl against RR in their crucial IPL 2025 match in Jaipur. Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted a total of 173 with the help of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 75. Dhruv Jurel added a late flourish to the RR innings, smasing 35 off 23.

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