Nithari case: Relief for key accused

In a deposition that may help Nithari serial killings accused Moninder Singh Pandher, the father of a victim on Thursday withdrew in court his statements that led to registration of a case of conspiracy against him.

The deposition was made by Nand Lal, father of 22-year-old Payal, during cross-examination by the defence counsel in the court of CBI judge Rama Jain.

Nand Lal's advocate Khalid Khan said Pandher, deputy superintendendent of police (DSP) Dinesh Yadav and former station house officer of Noida's sector 20 police station D P Singh were made accused in the Payal case on the basis of the version given by the victim's father.

Of a total of 19 Nithari cases, the CBI has filed chargesheets in 11 cases, giving a clean chit to Pandher, who was a Noida businessman. On the directions of the court, the charge of conspiracy was registered against Pandher.

During cross-examination in the court, Nand Lal withdrew his statement that a saw, which was allegedly used in the criminal acts, was recovered from a bathroom in Pandher's house in his presence. He also denied that a copy of the case diary was given to him by DSP Yadav and said that it was, in fact, handed over to him by his own advocate.

Testifying before the court, Nand Lal denied having stated that the saw was used for "cutting" up the victims.

In a turn-about from his earlier statements, he said that no bribe had been paid to DSP Yadav by Pandher's manager in his presence during the probe which was carried out by CBI. Outside the court premises, advocate Khan said, "No. I am not disappointed by today's proceedings but now I shall fight more cautiously in all the cases."