Nithari Case Accused Surendra Koli Dies by Suicide, Found Hanging Near Temple in Haridwar

Haridwar: Surendra Koli, who was associated with the Nithari incident, died in Haridwar on Friday. His body was found hanging inside a tea shop in front of Lalmata temple in Bhupatwala area of ​​North Haridwar. As soon as the information was received, the police reached the spot, took possession of the body and started investigation. In the initial investigation, the police believe the case to be suicide, however, all aspects regarding the real cause of death and the sequence of events are being investigated. Koli was originally a resident of Mangrukhal village in Bhikiyasain area of ​​Almora district.

How was the body found inside the tea shop?

On Friday morning, Sapt Rishi police post received information that a person was hanged in a tea shop located in front of Lalmata temple on Sapt Sarovar Road. When the police team reached the spot, he was identified as Surendra Koli. It is reported that he was living in Haridwar for some time and was working at a tea shop.

The police inspected the spot and also collected information from the people present nearby. After this the family members were informed. The police are now trying to find out whether he had talked to anyone before the incident or not and whether there was any change in his behavior in the last few days.

Did family problems become the reason for death?

In the initial investigation by the police, family dispute is being considered as a possible reason. However, this is not yet considered to be the final cause. Police say that the situation will be clear only after the investigation is completed.

The police are interrogating the people nearby to understand the circumstances before the death. The evidence found from the incident site has also been made a part of the investigation. It is expected that answers to many questions related to the death will be received after the postmortem report comes.

What were the charges against Surendra Koli in the Nithari case?

Surendra Koli's name came up after the famous Nithari incident of 2005-06. This case came into limelight across the country after several children and women went missing and human remains were found in Nithari area of ​​Noida. Koli worked as a domestic help in the house from where the investigation into the case proceeded.

In many cases he was convicted and even sentenced to death. His sentence and conviction were later challenged in courts in separate cases.

When was the Supreme Court acquitted?

In 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted Surendra Koli in 12 cases related to the Nithari incident. In July 2025, the Supreme Court also upheld his acquittal in these cases and dismissed the related appeals.

After this, on 11 November 2025, the Supreme Court also canceled Koli's conviction in the last pending case related to Nithari and ordered his immediate release. The court had said that it would not be appropriate to maintain the conviction in one case when he had been acquitted in other related cases on the basis of similar evidence. With this, the legal chapter of all the criminal cases against him related to the Nithari incident was closed.

How long after release did the death occur?

Surendra Koli, who came out of jail after the Supreme Court's decision of November 2025, has now died in Haridwar. Legally, he was acquitted in all the cases of Nithari case. Now after his death, the police have the responsibility to find out under what circumstances he took this step. At present, police investigation is going on and further action will be taken on the basis of postmortem report and other evidence.