Twisha Sharma Death: CBI Probe Intensifies As Mystery Deepens
Twisha Sharma (left) was a model-actor from Noida. Her mother-in-law Giribala Singh is a retired district judge
The investigation into the death of Twisha Sharma, the former model and actor who was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12, has entered a crucial phase, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) examining fresh evidence, a second autopsy report, allegations of evidence tampering, and new complaints filed by the victim’s family. What began as a case initially described as a suicide has evolved into one of the country’s most closely watched criminal investigations, drawing judicial scrutiny, nationwide public attention, and persistent demands for accountability.
Twisha, who hailed from Noida and had worked in marketing, communications, modelling and acting, had married Bhopal-based lawyer Samarth Singh in December 2025. Less than five months later, she was found hanging at her in-laws’ residence under circumstances that immediately sparked controversy. Her family alleged dowry harassment and foul play, while her husband and mother-in-law, retired district judge Giribala Singh, denied wrongdoing and maintained that her death was a case of suicide.
The case quickly gained national prominence after protests, public campaigns and demands for an independent investigation. The Supreme Court subsequently took cognisance of the matter, while the Madhya Pradesh High Court monitored several aspects of the investigation.
Second autopsy, crime scene reconstruction and arrests mark new phase
One of the most significant developments in recent weeks has been the submission of a second autopsy report to the CBI. The rare second postmortem examination was ordered following concerns raised regarding the initial findings and was conducted under the supervision of specialists at AIIMS Delhi. Investigators have now received the report in a sealed cover and are studying its conclusions as part of the broader probe.
The first postmortem had concluded that the cause of death was “antemortem hanging by ligature.” However, it also documented multiple blunt-force injuries on Twisha’s body, leading investigators and the family to seek further clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding her death. The second autopsy is expected to play a critical role in determining whether the injuries were connected to events preceding her death and whether additional criminal offences may have occurred.
The CBI has also conducted an elaborate reconstruction of the events of May 12. In a highly publicised exercise, investigators used an approximately 80-kilogram dummy to recreate the sequence described by Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh. The reconstruction sought to determine whether their account of discovering Twisha hanging and subsequently bringing her body down was physically plausible. The reenactment lasted nearly two hours and formed part of the agency’s effort to verify competing narratives surrounding the incident.
The arrests of Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh marked another major turning point in the case. After legal proceedings related to anticipatory bail, the CBI arrested Giribala Singh and intensified questioning of both accused. Investigators later obtained custody of the pair and conducted extensive interrogations aimed at clarifying inconsistencies and examining the sequence of events leading up to Twisha’s death.
Authorities have also investigated allegations that the crime scene may have been disturbed before forensic documentation was completed. These allegations have become a central focus of the investigation because the condition of the scene could influence conclusions regarding the cause and manner of death. The CBI has not publicly disclosed its final findings on these issues, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Family raises fresh questions as public attention remains intense
Even as the CBI probe progresses, Twisha Sharma’s family has continued to raise concerns regarding the investigation and the legal process surrounding the case.
In the latest development, Twisha’s father, Navnidhi Sharma, has sought an inquiry into the role of certain lawyers associated with the Legal Aid Defence Counsel system in Madhya Pradesh. In complaints submitted to the State Legal Services Authority and the High Court, he questioned whether some legal aid lawyers had developed inappropriate proximity to the accused despite the latter already being represented by private counsel. The complaint includes allegations regarding appearances in court and personal associations that, according to the family, warrant independent examination. Authorities have yet to announce the outcome of these allegations.
The family has consistently maintained that Twisha faced harassment after her marriage and has repeatedly disputed the suicide narrative. Their concerns have been amplified by social media campaigns, demonstrations and widespread public debate. The case has generated intense discussion regarding dowry-related violence, domestic abuse, the treatment of women within marital homes, and whether influential individuals can affect criminal investigations.
Public scrutiny increased further after the emergence of viral audio recordings allegedly involving Giribala Singh. The recordings, widely circulated online and reported by several media organisations, intensified debate about the relationship between Twisha and her in-laws. Investigators have not indicated whether the recordings will form part of the formal evidence considered in court.
Meanwhile, Giribala Singh remains in judicial custody while legal proceedings continue.
As matters stand, the Twisha Sharma case remains far from resolved. The CBI is analysing forensic evidence, digital records, witness statements, crime-scene findings and the second autopsy report. Investigators are expected to use these materials to determine whether the available evidence supports allegations of dowry harassment, abetment of suicide, homicide, destruction of evidence, or other offences.
With multiple courts monitoring developments, public interest remaining exceptionally high, and fresh allegations continuing to emerge, the investigation has become a significant test of India’s criminal justice system. The coming weeks, particularly after detailed examination of the second autopsy findings and forensic evidence, are likely to prove decisive in establishing what happened inside the Bhopal residence on the night Twisha Sharma died.
