Sector 36: Who Is 'Nithari Monster' Surinder Koli Essayed By Vikrant Massey In Netflix Thriller?

Vikrant Massey’s Sector 36 is receiving acclaim for its strong storyline and realistic portrayal. Aditya Nimbalkar's directorial debut is a crime thriller with Deepak Dobriyal and Vikrant Massey as the film's headliners. It premiered on Netflix on September 13, with Vikrant’s powerful portrayal of a serial killer targeting children earning praise.

The film draws inspiration from the tragic real-life events in Noida, where accused Surinder Koli was involved in the horrific Nithari serial killings in 2006. He reportedly committed acts of rape, murder, abduction, and dismemberment. The brutality depicted in the film pales in comparison to the actual events. In the film, Vikrant brings to life the twisted character of Koli.

Who is Surinder Koli?

As per reports, Surinder Koli was born in 1970 in Uttarakhand's Mangurkhal and led a seemingly ordinary life with his wife, Shanti Devi, and two young children. However, his pursuit of a better life took a dark turn. In the early 2000s, he came to Delhi from his village in search of employee. He started working as a domestic helper for Moninder Singh Pandher in 2005. But the servant turned into a murderer in no time.

In a horrific turn of events, Koli got involved in the murder and sexual assault of children and women in Noida between 2005 and 2006. He lured children to the house with promises of sweets and chocolates, only to subject them to sexual abuse and murder at Pandher's Noida home. His name came into the spotlight after the remains of many kids were found in Noida Sector 31, near a village named Nithari.

The Noida police filed 19 First Information Reports (FIRs) against Koli and Pandher, related to crimes against 19 different girls. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also filed charge sheets in 16 cases, alleging Surender Koli had disturbing necrophiliac and cannibalistic tendencies. Later, he was arrested and sentenced to death in all the cases. In 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted Koli in 12 cases linked to the Nithari serial killings. However, Koli is still serving a life sentence in connection with one of the murders. The court reprimanded the investigators for "brazenly" violating the "basic norms of collecting evidence".

Who is the mastermind of the Nithari serial killing case?

Moninder Singh Pandher, reportedly a history graduate from Delhi's St Stephen's College, was accused as the mastermind behind the gruesome Nithari killings.

Surinder Koli, who was Moninder Singh Pandher's servant, got sentenced to life imprisonment for cannibalism, rape, and murder. However, Pandher, a suspected paedophile, was released from prison in 2023 due to a lack of evidence.

Critics allege Moninder Singh Pandher and Surinder Koli destroyed evidence, securing Pandher's freedom. Surinder Koli remains jailed for the 2006 crimes, while Pandher now lives in Chandigarh.