Prasad now wants Pandher to be named as co-accused in the case where Koli is the lone accused. A car driver by profession, Prasad has hired the Supreme Court lawyer to fight his daughter's case.

“I want Pandher to be named as an accused. I did not depose against him earlier, as the CBI misled us. They had warned us about consequences. I overheard Pandher telling the Noida Police that he was sorry for what he and Koli had done. But now, I am determined to fight against all odds to get justice for my dead daughter,” Prasad said.

Legal experts, however, believe that retracting his statement could cost Prasad dear.

“In Payal’s case, her father had first named Pandher and then retracted his statement, alleging pressure from the lawyer. He was booked for perjury. Prasad could be similarly booked,” said a senior lawyer of the Ghaziabad court.

The next hearing in the Arti murder case has been scheduled for March 4; the verdict will be pronounced on March 16. Durga Prasad and his wife, Neelam, are residents of Nithari village. “I had to give up my job, as I was summoned every now and then to the CBI office,” Prasad added.