CBI to probe Twisha Sharma death case as family demands inquiry into mother-in-law Giribala Singh's calls to judges

The Madhya Pradesh government formally proposed transferring the Twisha Sharma death case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 22 May 2026, following demands from the victim’s family for a thorough investigation. Sharma, a 33-year-old model and actor, was found dead by hanging at her marital home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area on 12 May. Her family alleges sustained dowry-related harassment by her in-laws, including her husband Samarth Singh and his mother Giribala Singh, a retired additional district judge, while the in-laws dispute the claims, citing drug dependency as a possible cause. The Madhya Pradesh Home Department issued a notification proposing the CBI transfer, signed by Home Department Secretary Krishnaveni Desavatu. Police have registered an FIR under Sections 80(2), 85, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, along with Dowry Prohibition Act provisions, naming Samarth and Giribala Singh. Authorities announced a ₹30,000 reward for information leading to Samarth’s arrest and sought passport revocation. Twisha’s family demanded an independent probe into calls Giribala Singh allegedly made to judges, senior officials, Lokayukta members, and CCTV technicians immediately after the death. The family expressed concern over the lack of transparency, stating they received only fragmented updates while high-level communications reportedly took place. They questioned the relevance of CCTV maintenance technicians in these calls and called for forensic verification of all related communications. Giribala Singh had previously informed a First Class Judicial Magistrate that eight CCTV cameras at her premises were managed by a private company and showed a timestamp discrepancy of two days, two hours, and 20 minutes. The family rejected this explanation, insisting on a fair and transparent investigation to clarify the purpose and context of all communications. They emphasized the asymmetry in information access, where they were left searching for answers while allegedly privileged parties were in contact with authorities.