A joyful wedding celebration in Panipat, northern India, turned into a horrific tragedy when a six-year-old girl was allegedly drowned by her aunt out of jealousy. The accused, identified as Poonam, reportedly confessed to the crime, stating that she believed no child in the family should be more beautiful than herself. This chilling incident raises serious concerns about the mental state of the accused, as highlighted by local authorities.
According to Bhupender Singh, Superintendent of Police, Poonam’s actions reflect psychopathic tendencies. “She believed no child in her family should be more beautiful than her,” he told India Today. The victim, Vidhi, had attended the wedding with her father, mother, and younger brother, along with her grandmother, Omwati.
The festivities were abruptly interrupted when Vidhi’s father received a call reporting her disappearance. Alarmed, the family quickly organized a search party. Tragically, after about an hour, Vidhi’s grandmother discovered her lifeless body in a nearby storeroom, her head submerged in water. Despite being transported to NC Medical College, medical staff confirmed that it was too late to save her.
Local reports indicate that Poonam may have a history of violent behavior. She is accused of killing four children, including her own son and a niece. In a particularly disturbing incident earlier this year, she allegedly drowned another young girl in nearby Siwah because she was deemed “prettier” than herself. At present, Poonam remains in custody, but formal charges have not yet been filed.
In a separate incident at the same wedding, guests were left reeling when the groom, Ashraf, collapsed and died while dancing with his bride. Witnesses reported that he suddenly dropped to the floor, and despite immediate attempts to revive him, medical professionals later confirmed his death was due to a heart attack. Videos from the event show Ashraf joyfully dancing moments before the tragedy unfolded, highlighting the stark contrast between celebration and sorrow that marked the day.
These two incidents cast a dark shadow over what should have been a time of joy for families in the region, underlining the unpredictable nature of life and the hidden struggles that can lead to devastating outcomes.