Shocking: Panipat woman kill four kids over fear they looked ‘more beautiful’
PTC Web Desk: Haryana’s Panipat district is in shock after the police uncovered a disturbing series of child murders allegedly committed by a 32-year-old woman driven by an unhealthy obsession with her own beauty. The accused, Poonam, is believed to have drowned four children over a span of two years, including her own toddler , in what investigators describe as one of the most chilling cases of psychological violence in the region.
Panipat Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhupender Singh revealed during a press briefing that the murders took place between 2023 and 2025, targeting children within Poonam’s close family circle. “Her behaviour and motivations suggest classic psychopathic traits. She nurtured a belief that no child in her family should appear more beautiful or attractive than her,” the SSP said.
Pattern of murders spanning two years
The earliest known killing dates back to 2023 in Bhawar village, Sonepat, where Poonam allegedly drowned her sister-in-law’s nine-year-old daughter. To divert suspicion, she went on to kill her own three-year-old son, attempting to paint both deaths as tragic accidents.
Two years later, in August 2025, she allegedly used the same method to kill her cousin’s six-year-old daughter in Sewah village, again manipulating family trust to isolate the child before the murder.
The murders only came to light after the death of six-year-old Vidhi on December 1, 2025, during a family wedding in Naulakha village. The child was found dead inside a small water tub, immediately raising suspicions.
CCTV footage traced Poonam’s movement around the spot moments before Vidhi was discovered. During questioning, inconsistencies in her statements deepened suspicions.
Once confronted with evidence, Poonam confessed to all four killings. Despite her academic background, an MA in Political Science, the police say she demonstrated extreme emotional detachment and chilling calm while recounting the crimes. Officers noted that she would meticulously plan each murder and behave as if nothing had happened afterward.
Disturbing behaviour at the wedding
Several guests at the December wedding recalled Poonam acting unusually quiet and withdrawn, avoiding interactions and celebrations. Investigators now believe she was waiting for an opportunity to act on her impulses.
On the night of Vidhi’s death, Poonam reportedly coaxed the girl toward a water-filled tub under the guise of a sleepover prank. When the child resisted, she was forcibly drowned.
Four young victims, one family torn apart
The victims include Poonam’s own three-year-old son and three girls aged between six and nine — all from her extended family. She is currently in judicial custody as the police continue to examine whether more such incidents are linked to her.
- With inputs from agencies
