The Nithari murders case collapses after nearly two decades as courts acquitted key accused Surinder Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher. Families of missing children are left without answers and raising questions over a failed investigation. How did we reach here?

Nobody killed the Nithari kids: Suspects free, case fallen, justice eludes kin of India’s top serial murder victims

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case. The agency filed multiple cases against Koli on various charges, including murder, abduction, rape, and destruction of evidence.

Nithari killings: Accused Surendra Koli set free by Supreme Court

Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal's Sector 36 is a difficult watch. Based on the infamous Nithari case, director Aditya Nimbalkar's film relies a lot on interpretation and keeps the gore minimal yet the visuals make your stomach churn because the screenplay is so taut and Saurabh Goswami's camera work so intrusive that the film paints a vivid picture in the viewers mind.

Sector 36 review: Vikrant Massey, Deepak Dobriyal's performances draw you into this gruesome tale 

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. The prime suspect in one of the most chilling murder cases of the country - Nithari killings - Surinder Koli and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on Monday (Oct 16).