# Nithari case’s Surendra Koli cremated, family alleges murder

2026-09-20T03:27:45+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Surendra Koli, the main accused in the 2006 Nithari serial killings who was acquitted in all 13 cases last year, was cremated in Haridwar on Saturday after being found hanging in a tea stall. Police are awaiting the post-mortem report and have begun investigating his activities since his release, including that he had been living under the false identity of Sadaram and working odd jobs. India Today reports that Luksar Jail Superintendent Brajesh Singh said Koli showed no signs of distress during his 14-month stay before release on November 11, 2025. However, Hindustan Times reports that Koli's brother Chandan has filed a complaint alleging the death is suspicious, citing blood coming from the body and a rope tied around the neck. A victim's father, Jhabbu Lal, also told India Today he believes Koli was killed, possibly because he was about to disclose important information. Police say prima facie the death appears to be suicide but are examining CCTV footage and awaiting forensic reports before concluding.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All four sources report the same facts neutrally: Koli's body was found hanging, police await autopsy, and the family alleges murder. The uniformity reflects that this is a developing crime investigation with no official conclusion yet. The key difference is emphasis: India Today leads with the jail superintendent's statement that Koli was normal, while Hindustan Times foregrounds the family's suspicion. The balanced reading is that neither suicide nor murder can be confirmed until the post-mortem and forensic reports are released. The Haridwar police's CCTV examination and the autopsy report, expected in the coming days, will determine the next step.

## Coverage

- indiatoday.in (neutral report) <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/surendra-koli-death-nithari-killings-accused-found-hanging-victim-family-seeks-probe-ptag-2998389-2026-09-19?utm_source=rss>
  Straight factual report on cremation and police investigation, using police suspicion of suicide as framing
- indiatoday.in (neutral report) <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/surendra-koli-death-nithari-case-accused-cremated-in-haridwar-suicide-angle-probed-ptag-2998619-2026-09-20?utm_source=rss>
  Straight factual report on cremation and police investigation, using police suspicion of suicide as framing
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/surendra-koli-s-last-rites-performed-police-await-autopsy-report-101789841887641.html>
  Leads with brother's complaint and suspicious circumstances but balances with police 'prima facie suicide' statement
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/doesnt-seem-like-suicide-surendra-koli-s-brother-files-complaint-seeks-high-level-probe-into-suspicious-death-101789919456933.html>
  Leads with brother's complaint and suspicious circumstances but balances with police 'prima facie suicide' statement

Tags: Haridwar, Moninder Singh Pandher, Nithari case, Supreme Court, Surendra Koli
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