n a society where children’s safety and innocence should be valued, there are stories so awful that they shatter our collective conscience. This series delves into one such reality: a harrowing story of abuse, murder and organ trafficking involving some of the society’s most vulnerable individuals. Based on true events, the series exposes not just the unspeakable cruelty shown to he young victims, but also the systematic negligence that allowed these crimes to occur unchallenged.

The 2006 Noida serial killings, also known as the Nithari Killings, were a series of heinous crimes committed in the hamlet of Nithari, near Noida in Uttar Pradesh, India. The case involved abduction, rape and murder of many children and a woman, whose bodies were discovered in the drains system behind the home of Moninder Singh Pandher in Sector 31, a rich businessman. His domestic servant, Surinder Koli, was later apprehended as the main suspect.

The grisly nature of the case stunned the country, as detectives uncovered several mutilated remains. The deaths were discovered in December 2006, when local people, who had been getting reports of missing children for more than two years, finally forced the authorities to act. During the inquiry, the authorities discovered decomposing body parts and clothes. This led to a worldwide media outrage.

Surinder Koli admitted to the crimes. He said he had enticed youngsters into the residence, sexually abused them and dismembered their bodies. Moninder Singh Pandher was also suspected of complicity in the atrocities committed on his farm. However, his role could not be established. Koli first claimed that he had acted independently, but later recanted, alleging that he had been pressured by officials.

The case resulted in several trials and convictions. In 2023, the Allahabad High Court dismissed Pandher and Koli of numerous accusations because of inadequate evidence. Koli remained in prison for one sustained conviction.

Sector 36 is a thrilling Indian crime drama based on the story narrated above with minor changes. It stars Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal and is available on Netflix. Aditya Nimbalkar has directed the film, which tackles issues of crime and justice while drawing on the real-life incidents. It has been lauded for its gripping story, impactful acting and technical execution, making it an engaging watch for fans of dark thrillers.

Crimes like this continue to happen and not just in India. Luis Garavito, also known as The Beast, admitted to murdering around 140 boys in Colombia. Javed Iqbal, a Pakistani, claimed at one point to have killed 100 street children in Lahore. The high frequency of sexual violence against vulnerable individuals in spaces that should be safe, is alarming. A number of countries have deep-rooted social stigmas, inadequate legal protections and justice systems that often fail to adequately support the survivors. Like Sector 36, these incidents demonstrate systemic failings. The predators frequently operate in plain sight. They are helped by carelessness and corruption.

The destitute children in the series were exploited, brutalised and abandoned by an apathetic society. Their voices, silenced too soon, reverberate throughout the story, seeking attention and justice in a world that frequently fails to protect its most vulnerable. This narrative is about more than just murder and depravity; it’s also about those who were let down—children whose smiles and aspirations were stolen, families that were torn apart and the society that was forced to confront its darkness.

As the viewers peel back the layers of this horrible narrative, they are reminded of the need to speak up for those who can no longer do so, shining a light on the shadows where such atrocities thrive and ensuring that their pain inspires us to work for a safer, more compassionate society.

The film is more than just a retelling of terrible events. It is a monument to tenacity, a cry for reform and a solemn commitment to remember those who died as a result of other people’s brutality.

The writer has a degree in psychology with a minor in mass communication. She can be reached at ukmaryam2 @gmail.com