In a shocking development, Haryana Police have arrested a 32-year-old woman, identified as Poonam, for allegedly killing four children over two years, including her own three-year-old son. According to investigators, she targeted young girls related to her, driven by intense jealousy and emotional instability.
Police said the accused consistently staged the deaths as accidental drownings by placing the victims in water-filled tubs or tanks.
Latest Incident at a Family Wedding
The most recent case occurred on Monday during a wedding in Naultha village, where a six-year-old girl, Vidhi, went missing and was later found dead in a storeroom. Her family discovered her face down in a plastic tub filled with water, prompting an immediate police investigation.
A police team examined the case from multiple angles before arresting Poonam on Wednesday.
Investigators said she followed the child upstairs after guests had left, lured her to the storeroom and forcibly drowned her before locking the door from the outside and rejoining the gathering.
Confession Reveals Three Earlier Killings
During questioning, Poonam reportedly admitted to three earlier murders:
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2023 (Sonipat) – She drowned her sister-in-law’s nine-year-old daughter in a water tank.
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2023 (Sonipat) – To avoid suspicion, she drowned her own son, aged 3.
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August 2025 (Sewah village) – She drowned her cousin’s six-year-old daughter using similar methods.
Police officials dismissed any angle of ritualistic harm or child sacrifice.
Police: Jealousy and Deep Psychological Issues
Panipat Superintendent of Police Bhupender Singh said the accused showed signs of severe psychological disturbance.
According to police, she expressed resentment towards “beautiful young girls,” fearing they might grow up to surpass her in appearance. The SP described her behaviour as “psychopathic” and confirmed she had no known history of mental health treatment.
“She appears to have developed uncontrollable jealousy toward certain children, leading to these tragic incidents,” the SP said.
Police have notified all relevant stations and are coordinating with child protection units and forensic experts as the investigation continues.
