In a shocking and deeply disturbing case from Haryana’s Panipat, 32-year-old Poonam — a woman described by relatives as quiet, detached, and withdrawn — has been arrested for allegedly murdering four young children over a span of two years, including her own three-year-old son.
Her reported motive has horrified both her family and investigating officers: jealousy. Police say she believed that some children were more beautiful than her and grew resentful, thinking they would outshine her as they grew older.
Poonam is well-educated, holding a Master’s degree in Political Science and a B.Ed., and was living the life of a homemaker.
Yet, beneath this ordinary exterior, investigators say she carried out brutal acts in silence — quietly drowning children in water tanks and tubs inside family homes, deaths initially believed to be tragic accidents.
Four Murders Across Different Homes
According to Panipat Superintendent of Police Bhupendra Singh, the killings took place in three different houses — her parents’ home, her in-laws’ house, and another relative’s residence:
First two murders (2023, Bhawad village)
Nine-year-old Ishika, Poonam’s niece, and three-year-old Shubham, her own son, were found dead in a water tank. Investigators allege Poonam first drowned her niece, and then, fearing suspicion, drowned her son to make it appear accidental.
Third incident (August 2025, Siwah village)
Six-year-old Jiya, her cousin’s daughter, was found dead in a water tank. Again, the family believed it to be another tragic accident.
Fourth murder (December 1, Naultha village)
During a wedding, six-year-old Vidhi disappeared.
Police say Poonam followed the child to the terrace, drowned her in a small tub of water near a storeroom, locked the door from outside, and returned to the crowd as if nothing had happened.
Suspicion arose when guests noticed her wet sleeves and clothes. A search followed, and Vidhi’s body was found locked inside the storeroom. Confronted with evidence, police say Poonam confessed, leading to her arrest on December 3.
A Cruel Contrast to Motherhood
Relatives describe Poonam as a loner, someone who preferred shutting herself in a room and staying detached from others.
But the true horror lies in the contrast between what mothers are known for — love, sacrifice, pride, and joy in seeing their children shine — and what Poonam allegedly did.
Most mothers feel proud when their children look better than them or grow more talented, loving them unconditionally.
But Poonam’s mind, driven by insecurity and jealousy, allegedly pushed her to commit acts beyond imagination,
a mother taking the life of her own child, instead of protecting it.
This case forces society to reflect on the extremes of psychological disturbance, where love turns into envy, and motherhood transforms into something terrifyingly dark.
The investigation continues, and a chargesheet is expected soon.
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