Jealous Haryana aunty killed 3 kids on 'Ekadashi' suggesting ‘occult link’

A series of child killings in Haryana has taken a disturbing turn as police arrested a 32-year-old woman, Poonam, on Wednesday for allegedly murdering four children—including her own three-year-old son—over the past two years. Investigators say she confessed to drowning the children, motivated by what they describe as obsessive jealousy and a deep-seated hatred toward “beautiful girls.”

Occult claims surface

Families of the victims have now alleged that the murders may have been carried out on Ekadashi, suggesting an occult link. Surendra, whose six-year-old niece Jia was allegedly drowned by Poonam in Sewah village in August, claimed that three killings in his family occurred on Ekadashi and followed the same pattern. Police said they are examining these claims, though the primary motive established so far remains psychological, reports India Today.

Surendra said he had suspected Poonam earlier but did not approach police due to social pressure, adding that she reacted dramatically when confronted and even threatened suicide. He has now demanded the death penalty, expressing fear she could “kill again” if released on parole.

Background and behaviour

Villagers in Naultha, where the latest killing occurred, described Poonam as educated, quiet and largely withdrawn. She holds MA and BEd degrees. Many expressed shock that she could be involved in such crimes.

Her husband, Naveen, said she appeared intelligent and never showed signs of mental illness. Married since 2019, he said the family was devastated and called for “exemplary punishment.”

Latest victim and modus operandi

The case broke open after the death of six-year-old Vidhi on December 1. According to police, Poonam lured the child to a room on the first floor of a house in Naultha, drowned her in a small tub, then locked the door from outside before rejoining a family wedding downstairs. Some women reportedly questioned her about her wet clothes before she changed them.

Vidhi’s grandfather, Pal Singh, said Poonam had earlier attempted to spill hot tea on the child, which the family now believes was an attempt to disfigure her.

Confession and earlier cases

During questioning, Poonam allegedly admitted to killing:

Her three-year-old son Shubham in 2023

Another child in Bhawar village, also in 2023

A six-year-old cousin’s daughter in Sewah in August 2025

Vidhi, the latest victim, on December 1

All three girl victims were related to her. Families had initially treated the earlier deaths as accidental and had completed last rites without suspicion.

Panipat Superintendent of Police Bhupender Singh said Poonam appeared to have targeted young girls she considered attractive. Fearing that her family might suspect her, she allegedly killed her son as well.

Vidhi’s family pointed out that Poonam’s infant child, who is about to turn two, is now being cared for by Vidhi’s mother.

Police continue investigating the psychological and possible ritualistic dimensions of the case.