CBI Set to Take Over Twisha Sharma Death Probe: SC

New Delhi/Bhopal:

The investigation into the death of actor-model Twisha Sharma is expected to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation within the next 24 hours, the Supreme Court was informed on Monday during a high-profile hearing that has drawn national attention.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that the probe must proceed “fairly, independently and impartially” as concerns continue to grow over alleged procedural irregularities and possible influence in the investigation. The court was hearing a suo motu matter registered under the title “Alleged institutional bias and procedural discrepancies in the unnatural death of a young girl at her matrimonial home.”

Twisha Sharma, 33, was found dead at her in-laws’ residence in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area on May 12, barely five months after her marriage to lawyer Samarth Singh. While the initial investigation treated the case as suicide by hanging, Sharma’s family alleged dowry harassment, mental torture and manipulation of evidence from the very beginning.

The case escalated rapidly after questions emerged about the handling of forensic evidence, CCTV footage and the role of Sharma’s mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, a retired judicial officer. Public outrage intensified across social media platforms, with demands growing for an independent investigation outside Madhya Pradesh Police jurisdiction.

During Monday’s hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the apex court that the Centre was already processing the transfer of the case to the CBI and that formalities could be completed within a day. Following the submission, the court indicated that it expected the premier investigating agency to carry out a transparent probe without media sensationalism.

The Supreme Court also cautioned both the accused and potential witnesses against making public statements that could influence proceedings. The bench stressed that public commentary should not interfere with evidence collection or judicial assessment.

A Case That Snowballed Into National Attention

The Twisha Sharma case moved beyond a routine criminal investigation after Sharma’s family publicly questioned the official version of events. Her relatives claimed there were visible injury marks on her body that were inconsistent with a straightforward suicide theory.

Adding to the controversy was the delay surrounding the second autopsy. Following intervention by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, a medical board from AIIMS Delhi travelled to Bhopal to conduct a fresh postmortem examination. Sharma’s cremation took place only after the second autopsy was completed on Sunday evening.

According to investigators, CCTV footage from the residence showed Sharma walking toward the terrace shortly before the incident. Additional footage allegedly showed attempts at CPR after she was discovered. However, critics questioned whether the footage was complete and whether the scene had been tampered with before police arrived.

Samarth Singh, Sharma’s husband and one of the main accused in the case, surrendered before police after remaining untraceable for several days. He was later remanded to police custody. Sharma’s family has accused both Singh and his mother of trying to influence the investigation using personal and professional connections.

Supreme Court’s Rare Suo Motu Intervention

Legal observers say the Supreme Court’s decision to initiate suo motu proceedings reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the scale of public concern.

Senior advocate Meera Krishnan, speaking to reporters outside the court complex, said the move was unusual but significant.

“The Supreme Court does not ordinarily intervene at such an early stage unless there are compelling concerns regarding fairness, credibility or institutional confidence,” she said.

The court’s remarks also highlighted broader anxieties around dowry-related violence and the treatment of women within matrimonial homes. During the hearing, Solicitor General Mehta made a pointed observation that quickly went viral online.

“It is better to have a divorced daughter than a dead daughter,” he told the bench while discussing societal attitudes toward abusive marriages.

That statement resonated widely across social media, particularly among women’s rights groups and legal activists who said the case had become symbolic of a deeper national problem.

Public Anger and Media Frenzy

Outside courtrooms and television studios, the Twisha Sharma case has sparked emotional reactions across India. Candle marches were reported in parts of Bhopal and Noida, while hashtags demanding justice trended for several consecutive days.

Online discussions intensified after alleged chat screenshots, CCTV visuals and interviews with family members circulated widely. While many users demanded strict punishment for the accused, legal experts cautioned against trial by media.

The Supreme Court itself warned against turning the matter into “sound bites” and urged restraint from all stakeholders.

In West Bengal, the case has generated significant interest as regional news audiences increasingly follow national stories linked to women’s safety and institutional accountability. Digital search trends showed heightened traffic for queries related to dowry death laws, CBI investigations and Supreme Court intervention through Monday afternoon.

What Happens Next

The Centre is now expected to issue a formal notification transferring the investigation to the CBI. Once the agency takes over, it is likely to re-examine forensic evidence, electronic records, witness statements and the timeline leading up to Sharma’s death.

Investigators may also revisit the handling of CCTV footage, call records and medical reports generated during the initial phase of the probe.

For Sharma’s grieving family, however, the courtroom battle is only beginning.

Her brother, Major Harshit Sharma, who performed her last rites in Bhopal after the second autopsy, said the family would continue fighting until “every unanswered question is addressed.”

As the nation watches closely, the Twisha Sharma case has already evolved into more than a criminal investigation. It has become a test of whether public pressure, judicial scrutiny and institutional oversight can together restore confidence in the pursuit of justice.