In the industrial belts of Panipat and Sonipat in Haryana, a chilling narrative has taken root within a month, transforming a quiet housewife into a figure of folklore and fear. Poonam, once seen as an introverted woman, is now referred to as a 'chudail' or witch across multiple villages, her name used by mothers to scare disobedient children into eating their food or behaving.
From Obscurity to Infamy: The Arrest and Revelations
This dramatic shift in perception began with a stark police action. Poonam was arrested a month ago, in late 2025, for the alleged murder of her six-year-old niece. The arrest, however, was just the beginning. During the subsequent investigation, law enforcement uncovered a pattern of tragedy that had previously been dismissed as misfortune.
Shockingly, it was revealed that three more children from the same family had died under unexplained circumstances since 2023. While these incidents were initially thought to be tragic accidents, the family now suspects they were deliberate acts. The authorities are investigating the possibility that all four deaths are connected, allegedly orchestrated by Poonam.
A Name That Now Evokes Terror
The impact of these revelations has rippled far beyond the immediate family. In villages barely an hour's drive from the national capital, Delhi, Poonam's story has become a modern-day cautionary tale. The phrase "kha lo warna chudail aa jayegi" (eat or the witch will come for you) has entered common parlance, a direct reference to the accused woman.
This tactic works because every resident, including young children, is now aware of the case. The transformation of Poonam from a private individual to a public symbol of evil highlights how deeply the community has been affected by the gruesome allegations.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Trauma
The police investigation is ongoing, with officials meticulously re-examining the three earlier child deaths that occurred since 2023. The family, reeling from the loss of four young lives, is grappling with the dual trauma of grief and betrayal.
The case raises serious questions about the initial classification of the deaths as accidents and underscores the need for thorough probes in all cases involving child fatalities. As the legal process unfolds, the villages of Panipat and Sonipat remain in the grip of a story that has blurred the lines between horrific crime and local legend.
