The legal proceedings surrounding the death of 33-year-old model and actress Twisha Sharma have intensified in Bhopal, as the mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, has formally challenged allegations of dowry harassment. In a recent submission to the court, Singh provided digital transaction records—ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000—to support her claim that she and her family had consistently provided financial support to meet the deceased’s personal needs. This development comes as the investigation into the suspicious death of the actress, who was found hanging at her marital home in Katara Hills on May 12, continues to draw significant public and judicial scrutiny.
As the mother-in-law counters dowry allegations in the Twisha Sharma death case, the legal status of her son and co-accused, Samarth Singh, remains precarious. On Monday, a Sessions Court in Bhopal presided over by Judge Pallavi Dwivedi rejected Samarth Singh’s anticipatory bail application. Following the court’s decision, the Bhopal Police issued a formal announcement of a Rs 10,000 cash reward for any information leading to his arrest, as he remains at large. While Giribala Singh has previously been granted anticipatory bail by the court, the denial of relief for her son marks a significant shift in the ongoing legal battle.
A Complex Legal and Investigative Landscape
The investigation is currently being handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing serious allegations of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide. Misrod ACP Rajneesh Kashyap, who is overseeing the probe, confirmed that authorities are strictly adhering to the sections of the First Information Report (FIR) while investigating the case. Despite the gravity of the charges, the investigation has faced criticism from the victim’s family regarding procedural conduct. Officials have acknowledged lapses, specifically noting that the rope allegedly used in the incident was not sent for forensic examination, and have indicated that departmental action will be taken against the responsible investigating officer.
The case has also been marked by conflicting narratives regarding the victim’s personal life. In his bail plea, Samarth Singh’s counsel raised questions about the model’s mental health, describing her as struggling with psychiatric illness and drug dependency. These claims have been met with categorical rejection from the family of the deceased. Navnidhi Sharma, the victim’s father, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current pace of the legal process, stating, “Rejection of the anticipatory bail plea was not our victory. Our victory will be when both are punished.” He further emphasized his concerns regarding potential external influence in the case and has called for a transparent, expedited investigation.
Conflicting Claims and Forensic Demands
The divide between the accused and the complainant extends to the medical evidence. While a preliminary post-mortem conducted at AIIMS Bhopal indicated hanging as the cause of death, the family has disputed these findings, citing unexplained injury marks on the body. The family has formally requested a fresh, independent post-mortem examination to be conducted at AIIMS Delhi to ensure impartiality.
The following table outlines the current status of the primary parties involved in the legal proceedings:
| Individual | Status | Legal Standing |
|---|---|---|
| Samarth Singh | Absconding | Anticipatory bail rejected |
| Giribala Singh | Accused | Anticipatory bail granted |
| Twisha Sharma | Deceased | Subject of SIT investigation |
Giribala Singh has maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, describing the death of her daughter-in-law as a personal and familial nightmare. She has asserted that the victim had been under significant pressure long before her marriage, alleging that her career in the glamour industry had taken a toll on her mental well-being. The retired judge claimed that the victim’s family had remained distant for the five months preceding the incident, an assertion that has further fueled the tension between the two families as they await further judicial intervention.
Next Steps in the Judicial Process
The investigation into the death of Twisha Sharma remains active, with the SIT continuing to examine evidence related to alleged physical assault, dowry demands, and potential destruction of evidence. The primary focus for law enforcement remains the apprehension of Samarth Singh, who has yet to be located despite the announced reward. Legal experts suggest that the case will likely see further activity in the coming weeks as both the prosecution and the defense prepare for subsequent hearings in the higher courts, where the bail-related arguments are expected to be revisited.
For those struggling with mental health or in need of support, resources are available. In India, you can contact the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) helpline for assistance. As this is an ongoing legal matter, updates will be provided as court filings and official police statements become available. Readers are encouraged to follow official channels for verified information as the investigation proceeds.
We invite readers to share their thoughts and follow our reporting for the latest developments in this case as they emerge in the local and national courts.
