The 2006 Noida Serial Murders

Words by Bilal Shahid

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Characterized by his oversized moustache and turban, the Maharaja was Air India's beloved mascot. In their earlier days, Air India established an in-house art studio and commissioned artists from around the world to depict beautiful posters of the Maharaja in all his mischievous antics and him adopting different personas in each destination, such as a monk in Rome, a lover boy in Paris, and even a sumo wrestler in Tokyo. The posters put Air India the map as an example of genius marketing in the mid-20th century, earning the company a myriad of advertising awards and a loyal legion of fans. While the Maharaja remains Air India’s mascot to this day, he is most fondly remembered throughout the world for his role in India’s golden age of advertising. (Available as print)

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The 2006 Noida Serial Murders

In the quiet neighborhood of Noida, a satellite city of Delhi near Nithari Village in Uttar Pradesh, a disturbing discovery in 2006 sparked a troubling investigation that would capture national attention. It all started when skeletal remains of eight children were found near the home of Moninder Singh Pandher and his employee Surinder Koli. This grim revelation led to an investigation that uncovered a series of serious crimes, ultimately resulting in the conviction of both men in 2009 for murder and kidnapping. Koli and Pandher were sentenced to death on charges of rape and murder. Additionally, a series of other chilling accusations, including cannibalism, came to light. As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that the situation was more disturbing than initially perceived, raising serious concerns about public safety and the justice system.