Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Questions Raised After Surendra Koli’s Death in Haridwar
Surendra Koli was once accused in the Nithari killings, a case involving the deaths of children and women.
He was later acquitted in all 13 related cases.
Koli spent time in several jails, including Luksar Jail near Greater Noida.
The Luksar superintendent said Koli acted normally while he was there.
Koli was released in November 2025 after a Supreme Court order.
He was later found hanging at a tea stall in Haridwar.
The police explanation mentioned in the report is treated as suicide, but the family of one victim believes he was murdered.
They want an investigation and think he may have known information about the killings.
Surendra Koli, acquitted in all 13 Nithari killings cases, was found hanging at a tea stall in Haridwar.
Luksar Jail Superintendent Brajesh Singh said Koli behaved normally during his approximately 14-month stay.
Koli was released from Luksar Jail on November 11, 2025, following a Supreme Court order.
The family of a Nithari victim rejected the suicide explanation and called for an investigation.
Jhabbu Lal alleged Koli may have been killed to prevent him from revealing important information.
- Who
- Surendra Koli, former accused in the Nithari killings; Luksar Jail Superintendent Brajesh Singh; and the family of victim Jhabbu Lal.
- What
- Koli was found hanging at a Haridwar tea stall after being acquitted in all 13 Nithari-related cases, prompting questions about whether his death was suicide or murder.
- When
- Koli was released on November 11, 2025, and was found dead on Friday; the report is dated September 19.
- Where
- Koli died at a tea stall in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, after staying at Luksar Jail in Greater Noida.
- Why
- The victim's family is seeking an investigation because it doubts the suicide explanation and alleges Koli may have been killed before disclosing important information.
Official Account
Victim Family’s Allegations
Cause of death
Official Account
The report describes the death in the context of a suicide explanation, while the jail superintendent said Koli showed no unusual behaviour during his confinement.
Victim Family’s Allegations
Jhabbu Lal and Sunita Devi alleged that Koli was murdered and called for the circumstances of his death to be investigated.
Possible motive
Official Account
No official motive for a suicide is provided in the report.
Victim Family’s Allegations
Lal alleged Koli may have been killed because he was about to disclose important information.
Responsibility for the Nithari killings
Official Account
Koli was the main accused and had been convicted in several cases before being acquitted in all 13 Nithari-related cases.
Victim Family’s Allegations
Lal claimed that businessman Moninder Singh Pandher, rather than Koli, was the main culprit and should be punished.
- Nithari cases
- Koli was acquitted in all 13 Nithari-related cases.
- Luksar stay
- He was held at Luksar Jail from September 2024 until November 11, 2025, according to the superintendent.
- Release
- Koli left Luksar Jail on November 11, 2025, following a Supreme Court order.
- Reported death
- He was found hanging at a tea stall in Haridwar.
- Jail assessment
- Superintendent Brajesh Singh said Koli's behaviour in jail was normal.
- Family response
- Jhabbu Lal and Sunita Devi rejected the suicide explanation and called for an investigation.
- Nithari case location
- Skeletal remains, skulls and bones were found near Moninder Singh Pandher's bungalow in Sector 31, Noida, in 2006.