UP orders probe into assault on Nithari accused

Lucknow, Jan 25: The Uttar Pradesh government today ordered a probe into the assault on Nithari serial killings prime accused Moninder Singh Pandher and Surendra Koli by lawyers and the public in the CBI court premises at Ghaziabad.

Talking to reporters here, Special Secretary (Home) R M Srivastava said the probe will look into the lapses on part of the police.

Pandher and Koli were today beaten up by lawyers and members of the public in the CBI court premises, where they were produced by the agency.

Pandher sustained severe injuries and lost consciousness after the attack by a group of lawyers and people, who were enraged over the grisly killings at his Noida residence.

As both were being taken to the lockup after being produced in court, a group of lawyers caught hold of Pandher and repeatedly punched him on his face and rained blows on him. Koli was also assaulted.

Police personnel escorting them had a tough time controlling the angry crowd. Both the accused were rushed to hospital.

The CBI, which had taken over the custody of both the accused on January 11, produced them in court to seek their fresh remand.

It had registered 19 cases against them.

UNI