Archive · 20 Sep 2026
After acquittal, Surendra Koli struggled financially before Haridwar tea-stall death
Surendra Koli was released from prison after being acquitted in the Nithari case.
He had spent almost 20 years behind bars.
Afterward, he traveled to several places and tried to find work.
He reportedly worried that people would recognize him and refuse to employ him.
He briefly worked as a security guard and later opened a small tea stall in Haridwar.
He had been staying inside the stall for only a few days when he was found dead.
Police said the death appeared to be suicide.
His brother disagreed and said the family suspected foul play.
Surendra Koli was acquitted in November 2025 after almost two decades in prison.
After his release, he moved between Delhi, Uttarakhand, Bengaluru and Chennai while seeking work and housing.
He worked briefly as a security guard before renting a tea stall in Haridwar using another person’s identity documents.
Koli was found dead inside the stall on Friday, with police saying it appeared to be suicide.
His brother suspected foul play, while acquaintances described Koli as short of money before his death.
- Who
- Surendra Koli, 53, who had been acquitted in the Nithari serial murders case.
- What
- He was found dead inside a tea stall he had recently rented; police said it appeared to be suicide, while his brother suspected foul play.
- When
- He was found around 11 a.m. on Friday, after being released in November 2025 and running the stall for two or three days.
- Where
- Inside a tea stall in Bhupatwala, Haridwar, opposite Lal Mata Temple in the Sapt Sarovar area.
- Why
- The articles report that Koli was struggling to find work and money after his release; the cause of death remained disputed between police and his family.
Police Account
Family Concerns
Cause of death
Police Account
Police said Koli appeared to have died by suicide after examining the stall and collecting material for investigation.
Family Concerns
Koli’s elder brother, Chandan Koli, said the family suspected foul play.
Life after release
Police Account
Police sources and acquaintances described Koli as moving between jobs and accommodation while facing financial difficulties.
Family Concerns
His brother said Koli had been acquitted but could not prove his innocence in society, suggesting that stigma made rebuilding his life difficult.
- Age
- 53
- Acquittal
- Released in November 2025 after almost two decades behind bars
- Final residence
- A rented tea stall in Bhupatwala, Haridwar
- Recent work
- Had briefly worked as a security guard before operating the tea stall
- Financial situation
- Acquaintances said he was short of money and had sought financial help
- Police account
- Police said the death appeared to be suicide
- Family position
- His elder brother, Chandan Koli, said the family suspected foul play
- Last rites
- Performed by his son Shivam at Karkari Ghat on Saturday