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Nithari case's Surendra Koli cremated in Haridwar; police await autopsy report
Surendra Koli was acquitted of all 13 cases related to Nithari killings. He was found dead with a with a noose around his neck at his tea stall in Haridwar.
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The last rites were performed at a Ganga ghat on Saturday for Surendra Koli, 50, who spent nearly two decades behind bars before being acquitted of all 13 cases related to Nithari killings last year and was found dead at his tea stall in Haridwar on Friday.
The rites were conducted at the Khadkhadi crematorium in Haridwar after a panel of doctors conducted his postmortem. Police said they were awaiting the postmortem and forensic reports for further action.
“Police action will depend on these reports. All angles are being looked into,” said City police station in-charge KS Rana. Koli’s family members, several residents, vendors and police personnel were present at the funeral.
Deep Dive
ALSO READ | Nithari case's Surendra Koli, acquitted in all 13 cases, found dead in Haridwar
Family recalls difficult years
Koli’s 20-year-old son, Shivam Koli, conducted the last rites. “I spent a little time with my father. He was trying to earn a livelihood...,” Shivam said.
Shivam had arrived at Haridwar from Almora in the early hours of Saturday, accompanied by his uncles Harish Koli, Chandan and Anand, along with fellow villagers.
“For the past two decades, the Koli family faced difficult times. In the past few months, Surendra was trying to earn a livelihood. But his sudden death has again put the family in difficult times,” said a family friend who did not wish to be named.
Narayan Singh Rawat, a friend close to Koli, called for a fair investigation into his death.
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“Before coming to Haridwar, he had visited several cities in search of employment. His death appears mysterious. A fair probe should be conducted,” Rawat said.
Jay Kashyap, a contractor who came in contact with Koli last month, said Koli did not reveal his real identity and was living a simple life in the Bhoopatwala area.
What happened in the Nithari killings case
The Nithari killings came to light in 2006 when skeletal remains of several children were discovered in a drain behind the Noida residence of businessman Moninder Singh Pandher, where Koli worked as a domestic help. Both Koli and Pandher were arrested.
On November 11, 2025, the Supreme Court allowed Koli’s curative petition in the last remaining case, set aside his conviction and ordered that he be released forthwith if he was not wanted in any other case.
