Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Acquitted Nithari Accused Surendra Koli Found Dead in Haridwar
Surendra Koli was found dead inside a tea stall in Haridwar.
Police said he appeared to have died by suicide, but they are still investigating.
No note explaining his death was found.
His relatives in Almora were informed.
Koli had been living in Haridwar after leaving prison.
He had previously been accused in the Nithari killings in Noida.
Courts later acquitted him in all the Nithari cases.
The Supreme Court said the evidence was not strong enough to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Surendra Koli was found hanging inside a tea stall in Haridwar on September 18, 2026.
Police identified the stall as being opposite Lalmata Temple on Sapt Sarovar Road in Bhupatwala.
Koli had been living in Haridwar and had reportedly worked at or operated the tea stall for several days or months.
Police described the death as an apparent suicide, but no suicide note was found and the circumstances remain under investigation.
The Supreme Court set aside Koli’s final Nithari-related conviction in November 2025 after earlier acquittals in 12 cases.
- Who
- Surendra Koli, a former domestic worker and former accused in the Nithari killings cases.
- What
- He was found hanging inside a tea stall in what police described as an apparent suicide; an investigation and post-mortem process were initiated.
- When
- Friday, September 18, 2026.
- Where
- A tea stall opposite Lalmata Temple on Sapt Sarovar Road in Bhupatwala, Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
- Why
- The reason for his death has not been established. Reports mentioned a possible family-related issue, but police had not confirmed a motive.
Prosecution Position
Court Findings
Evidence in the Nithari cases
Prosecution Position
Koli was prosecuted and convicted in multiple cases involving alleged abductions, rapes and murders of children and young women. The prosecution relied substantially on his confession and alleged recoveries.
Court Findings
The Allahabad High Court and Supreme Court found serious problems with the confession, recoveries, forensic material and links connecting Koli to the crimes.
Proof of guilt
Prosecution Position
The prosecution, government and victims’ families challenged the acquittals and sought to preserve the convictions.
Court Findings
The courts held that the evidence did not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that grave suspicion could not replace legally reliable proof.
Cause of death
Prosecution Position
Initial police accounts described the death as an apparent suicide, and some reports mentioned a possible family-related issue.
Court Findings
The exact circumstances and motive remained unconfirmed because the investigation and post-mortem proceedings were still underway.
- Death location
- A tea stall opposite Lalmata Temple on Sapt Sarovar Road in Bhupatwala, Haridwar.
- Police assessment
- Authorities said the death appeared to be suicide while investigating all circumstances.
- Suicide note
- No suicide note had been recovered from the scene.
- Family
- Koli’s relatives in Almora were informed.
- Nithari case
- The case came to light in December 2006 after human remains were found near a house in Nithari, Noida.
- Earlier acquittals
- The Allahabad High Court acquitted Koli in 12 related cases in October 2023.
- Final acquittal
- The Supreme Court set aside his remaining conviction in November 2025 and ordered his release if he was not wanted in another matter.
Sources
Surendra Koli, acquitted by Supreme Court in Nithari serial killings, dies by suicide
Nithari case accused Surendra Koli dies by suicide in Haridwar months after SC acquittal
Surinder Koli, Acquitted In 2006 Nithari Killings Case, Dies by Suicide
Surendra Koli, Acquitted In Nithari Killings Case, Dies By Suicide
Nithari Case: Acquitted Surendra Koli Found Dead At Haridwar Tea Stall, Probe Underway
Nithari Killings Accused Surendra Koli Dies By Suicide, Found Hanging At Tea Shop In Haridwar
Surendra Koli dead. No suicide note found so far
Nithari Case: Surendra Koli Found Dead In His Haridwar Tea Shop
Surendra Koli, Main Accused In 2006 Nithari Serial Killings Case, Dies By Suicide In His Haridwar Tea Shop
Who Was Surendra Koli, The Nithari Case Accused, Who Allegedly Died By Suicide In Haridwar?
Surendra Koli, 2006 Nithari Serial Killings Accused, Commits Suicide In Haridwar
