The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally assumed charge of the probe on the death of former model-actor Twisha Sharma from the police of Bhopal, filing a criminal case for dowry death against unidentified suspects. The dedicated team of CBI has reached Bhopal and started working on the case as FIR disclosed shocking facts of harassment.
As mentioned in the FIR filed by CBI on May 25, 2026, under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Dowry Prohibition Act, the mother-in-law of Twisha, Giribala Singh, who was a retired district judge, made the demand of Rs 2 lakh from the family of the complainant during the time of vidai after the marriage ceremony that took place on December 9, 2025. It is mentioned in the FIR that the family conceded to her demands and paid the money, but the physical and mental harassment regarding demands of dowry did not stop.
The 33-year-old actress was found hanged at her husband’s house in Bhopal, leading to immediate speculations of her murder through abetment of suicide and sexual abuse. The Singh family, on the other hand, strongly refuted this, claiming instead that Twisha had a serious problem with drugs. This speculation was further fuelled when Samarth Singh ran away right after the murder of his wife, remaining at large for 10 days before he could be located by law enforcement authorities recently. In response to growing suspicions of partiality in handling the case due to the family’s status as legal experts, the Madhya Pradesh government promptly entrusted the case to the CBI.
During remand, Samarth reportedly told investigators that his relationship with Twisha was troubled but denied ever physically assaulting her. Samarth claimed before police that Twisha suffered from Bipolar Disorder and that her behaviour would change abruptly. He later told investigators that because of sudden shifts in her behaviour and communication style, she herself was distressed and was taken to a doctor. According to Samarth, the doctor diagnosed her with adjustment disorder.
Adding to the complexity of the case are the medical findings. While the initial post-mortem report confirmed "antemortem hanging," indicating she was alive when suspended, it also flagged several distinct injury marks across her body that appeared to be the result of an assault or a blow from a heavy object. Sceptical of the local administrative handling and alleging lapses in the initial medical examination, Twisha's family approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which last week sanctioned a second autopsy to be performed by an independent team of specialists from AIIMS Delhi.
The case has also caught the eye of the highest judiciary in the country. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter, citing irregularities and the perception of institutional bias due to the accused party's deep judicial ties. During the latest hearing, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant reprimanded both families for turning the tragedy into a media spectacle, noting that both sides were going to the press unnecessarily. The top court also issued a firm appeal to media houses to exercise strict restraint and avoid sensationalist reporting while the premier investigative agency carries out its work.
Also read: SC rejects judicial delay claims in Twisha Sharma case
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