Twisha Sharma Death Case: Former Judge Raises Safety Concerns, Alleges Media Harassment as Court Sends Her and Son to Judicial Custody

Retired district judge Giribala Singh appeared before a Bhopal court on Tuesday alongside her son, Samarth Singh, after the conclusion of their CBI custody in connection with the investigation into the death of Twisha Sharma.

During the proceedings, Giribala used the opportunity to voice concerns about her personal security, the conduct of the investigation, and what she described as relentless media scrutiny surrounding the case.

After hearing submissions from all parties, the court remanded both Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh to judicial custody until June 16.

The Central Bureau of Investigation informed the court that it did not require any further custodial interrogation of the two accused at this stage of the probe.

Before being transferred to jail, both accused requested enhanced security arrangements.

Giribala Singh told the court that, during her long judicial career, she had delivered verdicts in numerous serious criminal cases.

Given her professional background, she expressed apprehension that individuals convicted in those matters—or others holding grudges over past judgments—could be lodged in the same prison.

Citing potential risks to her safety, she sought separate accommodation and additional protection, a request that was accepted by Judicial Magistrate First Class Shobhana Bhalave.

The hearing saw Giribala Singh take an active role, seeking permission to personally address the court.

She questioned aspects of the ongoing investigation and argued that she and her family had effectively been put on public trial through extensive media coverage ever since Twisha Sharma’s death came to light.

One of her principal complaints related to a recent crime-scene reconstruction conducted by the CBI at her residence in Bhopal’s Bagmugalia locality.

According to Giribala Singh, investigators instructed her to leave her vehicle several houses away from the property and walk through a large gathering of journalists and camera crews.

She maintained that the situation unnecessarily exposed her to public attention and caused considerable embarrassment.

She also objected to what she described as an overly aggressive style of questioning during the investigation.

Additionally, she sought judicial intervention to ensure greater privacy and protection from media presence while being transported between court hearings, jail, and investigative proceedings.

She urged the court to establish safeguards preventing accused individuals from being confronted by reporters during transit and alleged that the constant attention amounted to ongoing harassment.

Another contentious issue raised during the hearing involved events surrounding Samarth Singh’s appearance in Jabalpur before his arrest.

Claims were made that he had been subjected to mistreatment and physical assault amid chaotic scenes outside the court.

However, Advocate Anurag Srivastava, representing Twisha Sharma’s family, strongly disputed those allegations.

He called for CCTV footage from the court premises to be examined, arguing that video recordings would provide an objective account of what had actually occurred.

The CBI, which recently assumed control of the investigation from the Madhya Pradesh Police, chose not to seek an extension of custody.

However, agency officials indicated that they retain the option of requesting further remand if future developments in the investigation warrant additional questioning.

During their period in CBI custody, investigators reportedly questioned both accused about the circumstances surrounding Twisha Sharma’s death, events inside the family home on the night of May 12, and various pieces of digital, forensic, and physical evidence collected during the inquiry.

Twisha Sharma, a former Miss Pune and aspiring actor from Noida, was found dead at her matrimonial home less than six months after marrying Samarth Singh.

Initially registered as a dowry death case by Katara Hills police, the matter was later transferred to the CBI following allegations of procedural lapses and possible tampering with evidence.

The arrest of Giribala Singh followed a significant ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which cancelled the anticipatory bail previously granted to her.

In its observations, the High Court noted that the lower court had not adequately considered crucial material, including witness testimonies,

WhatsApp conversations, and postmortem findings that reportedly documented multiple injuries sustained before Twisha’s death.

The CBI is currently investigating the matter under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to dowry death, cruelty by a husband or his relatives, and common criminal liability.

The case also involves charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act as investigators continue to examine the circumstances that led to the young woman’s death.