The family of the victims in the Relu Ram Poonia family murder case has challenged convict Sonia's claims of mental illness and alleged poisoning attempts before the Supreme Court. During Monday's proceedings, the family filed a detailed rejoinder opposing the reply submitted earlier by Sonia and her husband, Sanjeev Kumar, another convict, accusing them of trying to "portray themselves as victims" despite the brutality of the crime.
Background of the Case
Former MLA Poonia and seven members of his family were killed in Litani village of Hisar district over a property dispute in 2001. Sonia and Sanjeev were convicted and initially sentenced to death by a trial court. In 2014, the Supreme Court commuted their death sentence to life imprisonment. In December 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed authorities to consider the premature release of the convicts, following which the victims' family approached the Supreme Court challenging the move.
Claims of Mental Illness
Advocates Aina Khowal, appearing for the family, said Sonia's affidavit claiming depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal tendencies contains "serious factual contradictions" and attempts to dilute the gravity of the crime. According to the rejoinder, Sonia exaggerated claims of mental illness, low mood and suicidal thoughts to seek sympathy from the court while ignoring the suffering of the family.
The Haryana government has moved an application seeking time to file its response before the next hearing in July. The victims' family remains resolute in opposing any leniency for the convicts, emphasizing the heinous nature of the crime that claimed eight lives.
