The father of a girl killed in the Nithari case has questioned the circumstances surrounding Surendra Koli’s death in Haridwar, alleging that he may have been killed. Koli, 50, who was acquitted in the cases against him, was found hanging at a tea stall on Friday.
Police said the initial evidence points to suicide, while an investigation is under way.
Police investigate Surendra Koli’s death
Haridwar City Circle Officer Shishupal Singh Negi confirmed Koli’s identity and said he had been staying in the city for some time. Koli was found hanging at a tea stall on Sapt Sarovar Road near Lal Mata Temple in Haridwar on Friday. Police identified him after reaching the spot. Koli had been living in Haridwar for the past few months. He had recently started running the tea stall where his body was found. Haridwar police have begun an investigation into the death. A forensic team examined the site and collected evidence. Police have also started inquest proceedings. A post-mortem examination is expected to help establish the medical cause of death.
No suicide note was found, according to reports.
Surendra Koli’s death brings fresh questions from victim’s family
The victim’s father raised questions over why Koli would take his own life after being released from prison. Why would he commit suicide after being released from jail? He alleged that someone may have killed him and called for the circumstances of his death to be investigated. “Did he really commit suicide, or was he killed? Someone had him killed. He could have lived a quiet life with his children and his elderly mother. He was killed. What worries did he have?” the father stated. His claim has not been established by investigators. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding Koli’s death. The father also recalled his interaction with Koli during the investigation into the Nithari killings. “When confronted, he confessed. I asked him, ‘How did you lure my daughter? What did you do to her? He replied, ‘Please forgive me; she came by mistake; it happened by mistake. The reality is if you show flowers or toys to children, no matter how rich the family is, they will run to ask for them… As for adult women and men, he would trap them by offering money under the pretext of work. Koli’s death has brought the Nithari case back into focus months after the legal proceedings against him ended. the victim’s father has disputed that explanation and called for the circumstances of the death to be examined While police currently suspect suicide. The police investigation and medical findings will determine whether investigators find evidence supporting any explanation other than suicide.
He said he had asked Koli how his daughter and other victims were brought to the house of businessman Moninder Singh Pandher in Noida’s Sector 31.
Recent Developments in the Nithari Killings Case
In October 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted Surendra Koli in 12 cases linked to the Nithari killings, highlighting significant issues with the prosecution’s evidence and investigation. The court’s decision also extended to Moninder Singh Pandher, who was acquitted in related cases.
The Nithari case first gained public attention in December 2006 when human remains were discovered in drains near Pandher’s residence in Noida. Koli, who had worked as a domestic help in the house, was convicted in multiple cases and received death sentences. However, years of appeals eventually led to a re-evaluation of the case.
Following the high court’s ruling, the Supreme Court cleared Koli in the final case against him in 2025, concluding nearly two decades of criminal proceedings that had kept him incarcerated. He was subsequently released from prison.
