Surendra Koli, Acquitted in Nithari Cases, Found Dead in Haridwar

Surendra Koli, acquitted in all 13 cases related to the Nithari incident, was found dead in Haridwar. He had been living under the name ‘Sada Ram’ and was working at a tea stall in the city, according to acquaintances. Despite prolonged investigations, his identity as the actual perpetrator was never legally established.

Surendra Koli had changed his name to ‘Sada Ram’ and was employed at a tea stall in Haridwar during his final days. An acquaintance said Koli told him that he wanted to move to the main city area to earn a better livelihood for his family. Another acquaintance mentioned that a shop was rented in Koli’s name by Dharmender Kaushik, which Koli was running. Despite helping him as a human being, the acquaintance noticed that Koli seemed troubled by something.

Legal experts have stated that the presumption of innocence remains until guilt is proved through admissible and reliable evidence. They added that when proof fails, the only lawful outcome is to set aside the conviction, even in cases involving horrific crimes. It is a matter of deep regret that the identity of the actual perpetrator was not established to meet legal standards despite prolonged investigation.