Twisha Sharma Death Case: CBI Probes Initial Police Investigation
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is reviewing the initial police probe into the death of Noida model and actress Twisha Sharma, who was found dead in her marital home in Bhopal on May 12, 2026. The federal agency is scrutinizing the handling of evidence, including ligature materials and digital records, following allegations from the victim’s family regarding procedural lapses and evidence tampering.
Local police originally filed a case against Twisha’s husband, Samarth Singh, and mother-in-law, former judge Giribala Singh, under sections related to dowry harassment. The case was transferred to the CBI after the family alleged the initial investigation was flawed and influenced by the accused party.
Why is the CBI reviewing the initial police investigation?
The CBI is examining whether evidence was properly identified and preserved during the first stages of the probe. According to Ankur Pandey, the lawyer representing Twisha’s family, a seizure document from May 13, 2026, fails to specify who identified the rope or ligature material found at the scene.
Pandey further alleged that the rope was not sent for immediate testing but remained in an investigating officer’s vehicle for a significant period. However, Station House Officer Sunil Dubey stated to reporters that a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team inspected the site and securely seized the ligature material.
What discrepancies exist in the evidence timeline?
Documents reviewed by the BBC show a gap in the recovery of digital evidence. While a laptop and iPhone were seized on the morning of May 13, headphones worn by Twisha—visible in CCTV footage—were not recovered until May 23, approximately 10 days after her death.
Bhopal police have maintained that the delay in recovering the headphones does not impact the overall case. Other seizures included a second mobile phone on May 13 and a CCTV DVR on the evening of May 13.
How did the accused allegedly access confidential case files?
Lawyer Ankur Pandey raised concerns regarding the “case diary,” a confidential record of the investigation. He claimed that Giribala Singh used seizure documents from the case diary in her anticipatory bail plea before she had been officially named as an accused.
Pandey questioned how these documents reached the defense if the accused were not yet legally entitled to them. The CBI has not yet issued an official response to these specific allegations regarding the leak of investigative documents.
What is the status of the medical records investigation?
The CBI is currently verifying claims made by the defense that Twisha Sharma suffered from psychological issues. The agency questioned psychiatrist Dr. Satyakanth Trivedi, whose name appeared in documents submitted to the court by the defense.
A Bhopal police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated the CBI is attempting to determine if treatment actually occurred and the severity of the condition. Dr. Trivedi confirmed he was questioned but declined to share specific counseling details, citing patient confidentiality.
What happens next for the accused?
Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh are currently in judicial custody. A special CBI court extended their detention until June 16.
The investigation may now move toward reconciling the findings of the AIIMS Delhi autopsy with the initial police reports. The CBI could potentially file additional charges if the review of the initial police probe reveals evidence of intentional tampering or professional negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary accused in the Twisha Sharma case?
The primary accused are Twisha’s husband, Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, former judge Giribala Singh.
When was the case handed over to the CBI?
The case was transferred to the CBI following allegations of flaws in the local police investigation and a second autopsy ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 24, 2026.
What specific evidence is being contested by the victim’s family?
The family is contesting the identification and handling of the ligature material (rope), the 10-day delay in seizing headphones, and the alleged unauthorized access to the case diary by the accused.
Do you believe the transfer of high-profile cases to federal agencies like the CBI ensures a more impartial investigation?