Relu Ram family murders: Convict daughter cites mental illness in SC

Hisar: Convict Sonia, opposing a plea against her premature release in ex-MLA Relu Ram Poonia family murder case fo 2001, has cited her mental health condition, jail conduct and long incarceration before the Supreme Court, which on Tuesday adjourned the matter.The case relates to the killing of eight members of the Poonia family in Hisar's Litani village over a property dispute. Sonia and co-convict Sanjeev, earlier awarded the death penalty, are serving life terms after the Supreme Court commuted their sentence in 2014. Sonia is Relu Ram's daughter.In a counter affidavit, Sonia relied on jail records and RTI replies to detail her psychiatric history, conduct in prison and time spent in custody.Documents placed on record state that she has been under treatment for years, with symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and low mood, along with a provisional diagnosis of mood disorder with possible bipolar disorder.The records also mention past instances of self-harm and suicide attempts during incarceration in 2004, 2009 and 2018, following which she was referred to higher medical centres, including PGIMS Rohtak. Medical notes indicate she is currently "relatively stable" on medication.According to the custody certificate, Sonia has completed over 23 years of actual imprisonment, with total sentence, including remission, exceeding 28 years.The affidavit also states that she availed parole and furlough multiple times without overstay and participated in reformative programmes such as vocational training, education and prison-run initiatives.During the hearing on April 7, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Vipul M Pancholi granted two weeks to file replies and allowed a week thereafter for rejoinders. The case has been adjourned to the week beginning May 11, with the interim order to continue.The petition challenging her premature release was filed by relatives of the victims, who have opposed any relief.The case relates to the killing of eight members of the Poonia family in Hisar's Litani village in 2001 over a property dispute. Sonia and co-convict Sanjeev, earlier awarded the death penalty, are serving life terms after the Supreme Court commuted their sentence in 2014.