A deeply disturbing case from Haryana has taken an even darker turn as the family of Poonam, the woman accused of murdering four children including her own toddler, now suspects she may have been involved in earlier unexplained deaths and tragedies within the household. Police say Poonam, who allegedly drowned her niece Vidhi during a family wedding on December 1, has confessed to killing three children before—her son, a niece and another relative’s child
Shock and grief as family recalls unexplained tragedies
Relatives say they are “unable to fathom the horror” of the revelations. Until now, the deaths of three children had been seen as tragic accidents. But after Poonam’s arrest, the family is re-evaluating every incident since her marriage in 2019.
In a poignant twist, the toddler son Poonam is accused of killing is now being cared for by Rakhi, the mother of her latest alleged victim, three-year-old Vidhi.
Pointing to his wife feeding the baby, Vidhi’s father Sandeep said,
“On one side is Poonam, who murdered her own son and my innocent daughter. On the other is my wife, who is nursing Poonam’s baby.”
Vidhi’s grandparents echoed the sentiment:
“The baby is innocent. We will bring him up with care despite what Poonam did.”
Latest crime exposes pattern of alleged murders
Police say Poonam confessed to drowning Vidhi in a tub of water during a wedding at Naultha village in Panipat. The room in which the child was found was locked from outside, raising immediate suspicion.
During interrogation, she allegedly told officers she had an “urge” to harm or murder children she perceived as “more beautiful than her own.”
Investigators are now revisiting the deaths of:
- Shubham – Poonam’s own son, who died in 2023
- Ishika – her niece, who also died in 2023
- Jiya – daughter of her cousin, who died in August 2025
All three deaths were previously thought to be accidental drownings or sudden medical emergencies. Family members say Poonam pretended to faint or fall ill after each death, diverting suspicion.
Family suspects involvement in sister-in-law’s death and miscarriage
Fresh allegations have surfaced from Vidhi’s father, Sandeep, who claims earlier incidents may now point to foul play.
He said his sister Pooja, a talented MSc mathematics graduate, suddenly stopped eating, withdrew socially and died mysteriously a few months after Poonam married into the family. At the time, no one suspected wrongdoing.
Another sister, Pinky, allegedly suffered a miscarriage after Poonam visited her at five months pregnant and gave her something to eat. The family had previously believed it to be a tragic medical event.
Sandeep also recalled other troubling incidents involving Vidhi:
- Poonam allegedly poked her eyes with a pencil when she was two
- She once spilled hot tea on the child, causing burns
At the time, these were written off as accidents.
Husband speaks out; police expand investigation
Poonam’s husband Naveen described her actions as “inhuman”, saying:
“She is a witch, not a mother.”
He added that had she not mistakenly locked the room during the latest incident, “she may have gone unpunished once again.”
Naveen also alleged that Poonam stopped him from conducting post-mortems on Shubham and Ishika, threatening suicide and emotionally manipulating the family:
“She said she could not bear to see the little ones cut up.”
He refuted claims that he had taken her to a tantrik, saying she often quarrelled with his family and frequently returned to her parental home after disputes.
Police to question Poonam with psychologist present
Gohana (Sonipat) ACP Rahul Dev confirmed that a fresh FIR has been registered on the basis of Naveen’s complaint, for the deaths of Poonam’s son and niece.
She will be taken to Sonipat on a production warrant and questioned in the presence of a psychologist to assess her mental state and motivations.
Police say the unfolding allegations suggest the possibility of a serial pattern, but they caution that forensic reviews and medical examinations will be required to establish the truth behind each incident.
Community shaken as investigation widens
The case has sent shockwaves through Naultha village and neighbouring districts. Community members say they are struggling to reconcile Poonam’s alleged actions with her outward appearance as an educated woman with a master’s degree and BEd qualification.
Local leaders have called for psychological evaluation, stronger child protection mechanisms and community awareness on early warning signs of harm.
As the investigation continues, the family is focused on caring for Vidhi’s younger siblings and Poonam’s surviving toddler—now being raised by the very family she is accused of devastating.