’We didn’t expect Pandher would get death’

Parents of Nithari victims rejoice the court's order; say their trust in the legal system has been justified

'We didn't expect Pandher would get death'

"He (Pandher) should be hanged as soon as possible," said Jhabu Lal, the father of Jyoti, another girl killed by Pandher.
The victory was made sweeter by the fact that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had been proved wrong. "Today is one of the happiest days of my life. The victims have finally got justice. There were times when I was threatened to give up the fight. This judgement proves the CBI had goofed up its investigation," said lawyer Khalid Khan who has been fighting for the Nithari victims.
Meanwhile, a teary Pandher broke down after hearing the sentence. But Koli, who has been accused of cannibalism as well, showed no reaction.
Also present in the court was Pandher's son Karan, a student of political science in a Canadian University and the accused's wife Devender Kaur. "My father is not a murderer. At the time of the reported murders my father was in Australia and he was planning to expand his business there," said Karan.
Dev Raj, Pandher's advocate said that they had provided the court sufficient about the absence of the businessman when the murders took place. However, the court had refused to entertain the proof. "We had the documents to prove that Pandher was in Australia between January 31 and February 15. Rimpa was murdered on February 8. We furnished Pandher's tickets and travel documents but the court did not listen to us. We will appeal in the Allahabad High Court next week," he said.
Meanwhile, the parents of the victims planned to celebrate their victory on Friday evening. "We will assemble in Nithari village in the evening and then decide how to celebrate our win," said Ram Kishen.

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