Twisha Sharma case: MP Govt proposes CBI probe

The Madhya Pradesh Government has on Friday proposed transferring the investigation into the death of model and actor Twisha Sharma to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This move intensifies scrutiny around the high-profile case, which has triggered outrage across the country.

Twisha Sharma, 33, was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area on May 12. Her family alleges she faced continuous mental harassment and pressure from her husband and in-laws, ultimately driving her to death.

Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act against her husband, Samarth Singh, and mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, a retired additional district judge. Authorities have also announced a reward of Rs 30,000 for information leading to Samarth Singh’s arrest and initiated proceedings to revoke his passport.

The controversy intensified after Twisha Sharma’s family sought an independent inquiry into a series of phone calls allegedly made by Giribala Singh shortly after the incident. According to the family, calls were placed to judges, senior officials, Lokayukta members, and CCTV technicians right after Twisha’s death.

The family questioned why multiple influential individuals and technical personnel contacted authorities so quickly, while they struggled to get clear information about their daughter’s condition.

In a strongly worded statement, the family demanded a forensic examination of all call records and digital communication linked to the case. They maintained that every interaction after the death should be investigated. This would help determine whether there was any attempt to influence the investigation or manipulate evidence.

The issue of surveillance footage has also become a major concern in the investigation. Giribala Singh reportedly told a magistrate that the eight CCTV cameras installed at the residence were displaying incorrect timestamps, with discrepancies ranging from two days to more than two hours before or after the actual time.

Twisha Sharma’s family has expressed suspicion over the timing of the disclosure, which occurred after the incident. They questioned whether there was any attempt to interfere with or alter surveillance records following the event. They have demanded an independent technical audit of all CCTV systems connected to the house.

Investigators plan to closely examine the cameras’ functionality, maintenance history, and handling as part of the broader probe.

Giribala Singh has denied attempting to influence the investigation. She claims she made the calls in response to people who contacted her to offer condolences following the tragedy.

She also denied interfering with the evidence and questioned the manner in which the investigation against her was being conducted. Meanwhile, police have reportedly issued repeated notices asking her to formally cooperate with investigators and record her statement in the case.

Twisha Sharma’s family says the case goes beyond a single death, calling it a test of public trust in the justice system. They argue that only an independent agency like the CBI can ensure a fair, transparent, and unbiased investigation.

The family also criticises efforts to divert attention to Twisha Sharma’s personal life, urging that investigators keep the focus on establishing accountability and uncovering the truth behind her death.

With the State Government now recommending a CBI inquiry, the case is expected to enter a more intensive phase. Scrutiny is likely to expand to digital evidence, surveillance records, and the conduct of all those involved in the aftermath of the incident.

Samarth Singh taken into police custody

In a major development in the Twisha Sharma death case, her husband, Samarth Singh, was taken into police custody in Jabalpur on Friday after appearing before a court to surrender. He had been absconding since May 12, following the registration of a case against him in connection with Twisha Sharma’s death.

Samarth Singh appeared before the Jabalpur court, intending to surrender after the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed him to present himself before a court in Bhopal. However, before any further legal proceedings could take place, police officials arrested him in Jabalpur.

Meanwhile, the High Court granted permission for a second post-mortem of Twisha’s body. It will be performed by a team of doctors from AIIMS, New Delhi, in Bhopal.