The Investigation Deepens in Bhopal
The mysterious death of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma in Bhopal has taken a significant turn as new CCTV footage from her residence in the Katara Hills area surfaced this week. The video, which captures the final moments before her tragic passing on May 12, 2026, has added a fresh layer of complexity to a case that has already sparked widespread public outcry and allegations of dowry harassment.
Twisha Sharma, a former model and 2012 Miss Pune winner, was found dead at her marital home just five months after her marriage to Samarth Singh, a local advocate. The emergence of the footage comes as a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) intensifies its probe into the conduct of her husband and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, a retired district judge.
What the CCTV Footage Reveals
The surfaced footage provides a chronological glimpse into the events leading up to the discovery of Twisha’s body.
- The Final Walk: At approximately 7:20 AM, Twisha is seen climbing the stairs alone, heading toward the terrace of the house.
- The Rescue Attempt: Nearly an hour later, the cameras captured her husband, Samarth Singh, along with a neighbor and a domestic worker, attempting to administer CPR to Twisha on the staircase landing.
- Family Presence: The footage also shows her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, entering and exiting a room before moving downstairs while the men were seen carrying Twisha’s body to a lower floor.
While the defense suggests these clips prove an immediate attempt to save her life, Twisha’s family argues that the delay in medical intervention and the circumstances surrounding her “hanging” remain highly suspicious.
Allegations of Dowry Harassment and Physical Abuse
The case, initially reported as a suicide, was quickly reclassified following a formal complaint by Twisha’s brother, Major Harshit Sharma of the Indian Army. The family alleges that Twisha was subjected to “extreme mental and physical torture” from the onset of her marriage in December 2025.
Key allegations include:
- Financial Demands: Claims that the in-laws pressured Twisha to transfer investments and fixed deposits worth approximately ₹20 lakh.
- Physical Evidence: A post-mortem report from AIIMS Bhopal confirmed death by hanging but also noted multiple antemortem injuries (bruises caused by blunt force) on her body.
- Abortion Allegations: The family has alleged that Twisha was coerced into terminating a pregnancy against her will, which severely impacted her mental well-being.
Legal Status: Absconding Suspects and Bail Pleas
The legal battle has reached the Bhopal District Court. On Monday, May 18, 2026, the court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Samarth Singh, who is currently absconding. Police have announced a reward of ₹10,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Meanwhile, the mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, was granted anticipatory bail last week, citing her age and status as a retired judicial officer. She has publicly denied all allegations, claiming instead that Twisha suffered from pre-existing psychiatric issues and substance abuse—claims that Twisha’s family has vehemently dismissed as “character assassination.”
Why This Case Matters
The Twisha Sharma case highlights the ongoing struggle against dowry-related violence in India, even within families holding high-ranking legal and social positions. The involvement of a retired judge and an advocate has placed the Bhopal police under immense scrutiny, with the victim’s family demanding the case be moved to AIIMS Delhi for a second, independent autopsy to ensure an unbiased investigation.
Key Takeaways
- CCTV Evidence: Footage shows Twisha heading to the terrace and a subsequent CPR attempt by her husband.
- Criminal Charges: An FIR has been filed under sections related to dowry death and mental harassment.
- SIT Probe: A dedicated six-member team is now analyzing technical evidence and forensic reports.
- Absconding Suspect: Samarth Singh remains at large following the rejection of his bail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Twisha Sharma? Twisha Sharma was a 33-year-old former marketing professional and model from Noida who won the Miss Pune title in 2012.
2. What are the charges against her in-laws? Her husband, Samarth Singh, and mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, have been booked for dowry harassment, physical assault, and abetment of suicide.
3. What did the post-mortem report conclude? The report cited “antemortem hanging” as the cause of death but noted several blunt-force injuries on her body that occurred before her death.
4. Where is the investigation currently? A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is handling the case. While the mother-in-law has bail, the husband is currently evading arrest.
