Nithari case acquitted man found dead; jail official recalls normal conduct

Surendra Koli, the prime accused in the Nithari serial killings case, was discovered dead by hanging at a tea stall in Haridwar on Friday. Koli had been acquitted in all 13 cases related to the notorious crimes and was released from Lucknow Central Jail on November 11, 2025, following court orders.

The acquittals marked a dramatic reversal in a case that had gripped public attention across northern India. Koli had initially been arrested in connection with the discovery of human remains in a drain in the Nithari locality of Greater Noida in 2006. The investigation had led to one of India's most closely-watched criminal proceedings.

Brajesh Singh, the superintendent of Lucknow Central Jail, told officials that Koli's conduct during his time in custody remained routine and without incident. Singh's account suggested no signs of distress or unusual behaviour that might have indicated Koli's mental state following his acquittal.

The circumstances surrounding Koli's death have raised questions about his social reintegration following his release and the support mechanisms available to acquitted prisoners re-entering society. Authorities have launched an investigation into the exact circumstances of his death.