The recent decision by the Supreme Court has brought immense heartache to the families of victims from the notorious Nithari case, igniting questions about accountability and justice. Many families have since relocated, yet two remain in Nithari, holding onto their belief in divine retribution. Among these are Jhabbu Lal and his wife Sunita, who are still grappling with the loss of their daughter Jyoti, who went missing in 2006. The couple, originally from Unnao district in Uttar Pradesh, came to Nithari four decades ago, seeking better opportunities. Jhabbu Lal, who worked as an ironer, remembers the day Jyoti disappeared, heartbroken as he recalls her body being discovered in a nearby drain linked to one of the horrifying crimes that unfolded in their community.

The drain, once an innocuous part of the neighborhood, became synonymous with tragedy as skeletal remains of missing children were found there. Lal’s battle for justice has been relentless; he has appeared as a witness in numerous court sessions, striving to bring closure not only for himself but for other grieving families. His commitment involved significant financial strain, compelling him to sell possessions to fund his pursuit of justice. With the Supreme Court’s recent acquittal of Koli in the final case against him, Lal feels a renewed sense of anguish and betrayal, wondering aloud, "If he didn't commit the crime, then who did?"

Sunita, Jyoti’s mother, expresses her lingering pain as the years roll by. She reflects on the void left by her daughter's absence, sharing how passing by the infamous bungalow triggers memories of their profound loss. Living in the shadow of their past, the couple continues to operate a small ironing business, which serves as a reminder of both their struggle and the hope they cling to for future justice. A nearby family, affected by the same tragedy, remains silent, illustrating the weight of grief that still looms over Nithari.

This situation highlights not only the emotional turmoil faced by the victims' families but also raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in delivering accountability for heinous crimes. The resilience of the Nithari families, combined with their faith in a higher power, reflects their ongoing search for truth and justice in a landscape marked by loss.