CBI Set to Take Over Twisha Sharma Death Probe Soon

CBI Likely to Begin Twisha Sharma Probe Within 24 Hours

The investigation into the death of Twisha Sharma is expected to shift to the Central Bureau of Investigation within the next 24 hours after the Supreme Court was informed that formalities for the transfer are nearly complete.

The development came during a hearing before a bench of the Supreme Court on Monday, where counsel appearing in the matter stated that the CBI would soon assume control of the probe. The case has rapidly evolved into one of the most closely watched investigations in recent weeks, drawing political attention, public anger and widespread debate over policing standards in West Bengal.

Twisha Sharma’s death had initially been investigated by the state police. But persistent allegations from the family, activists and sections of the opposition about inconsistencies in the probe led to mounting pressure for a central agency investigation.

The Supreme Court’s intervention has now effectively accelerated that process.

What Led to the Supreme Court Hearing

Twisha Sharma, a young woman whose death under disputed circumstances triggered outrage online and on the streets, became the centre of a growing campaign demanding transparency in the investigation.

Questions began surfacing almost immediately after preliminary findings emerged. Family members alleged that crucial evidence had either been ignored or improperly handled. Several civil society groups claimed there were contradictions in witness statements and procedural lapses during the early stages of the investigation.

The issue snowballed after protests erupted in parts of Kolkata and several districts of West Bengal. Demonstrators demanded accountability and sought a court-monitored investigation.

Petitions eventually reached the Supreme Court, where lawyers representing the family argued that public confidence in the existing probe had eroded.

During Monday’s proceedings, the court was informed that administrative procedures linked to the transfer were in the final stages and that the CBI could officially take over “within a day”.

Questions Around the Initial Investigation

Much of the public anger surrounding the case has focused on the handling of the initial investigation.

Legal observers following the proceedings say the demand for a CBI inquiry gained momentum because of three major concerns:

• Alleged delay in forensic examination

• Questions over preservation of electronic evidence

• Conflicting accounts regarding the sequence of events before Twisha Sharma’s death

Former IPS officer and legal analyst Arup Bhattacharya said cases that attract widespread public scrutiny often require “institutional credibility”.

“Once public trust weakens in a sensitive criminal investigation, courts tend to consider independent agencies to restore confidence in the process,” he said.

The state government, however, has maintained that the police investigation followed due procedure and that officers acted according to established legal protocols.

Political Reactions Intensify

The likely CBI takeover has already triggered sharp political exchanges in West Bengal.

Opposition parties welcomed the Supreme Court proceedings and claimed the transfer vindicated their allegations that the truth was being suppressed.

A senior BJP leader in Bengal described the development as “a victory for public pressure and judicial oversight”.

Leaders from the ruling establishment accused the opposition of politicising a tragic death for electoral gains ahead of upcoming political battles in the state.

The political temperature around the case has continued to rise because the issue has resonated strongly with young voters and women’s rights groups.

Several student organisations held candlelight marches over the weekend demanding justice for Twisha Sharma.

Social Media Campaign Keeps Case Alive

The Twisha Sharma case has also become one of the most discussed topics on Bengali social media over the past several days.

Hashtags demanding justice trended continuously on X and Instagram, while multiple live discussions on YouTube drew massive engagement from viewers across West Bengal.

Legal experts say such public mobilisation often increases pressure on investigative agencies and governments alike.

Digital rights researcher Sayan Mitra noted that regional cases today can rapidly acquire national traction.

“A single emotionally charged case can now dominate the public narrative within hours because of social media amplification,” he said.

That visibility has likely contributed to the urgency surrounding the Supreme Court proceedings.

What the CBI Probe Could Change

If the CBI officially takes charge, investigators are expected to re-examine several aspects of the case from the beginning.

Sources familiar with the procedure say the agency may:

• Review forensic material independently

• Re-record witness testimonies

• Examine digital communications

• Scrutinise local police actions during the early investigation

The CBI may also constitute a specialised team with officers from Delhi and Kolkata units because of the high-profile nature of the case.

Criminal law experts point out that while a CBI investigation often raises public confidence, it also brings greater scrutiny and pressure for results.

The agency has handled several politically sensitive cases in West Bengal over the past decade, including corruption and custodial death investigations.

Impact on Public Trust

The Twisha Sharma case has once again highlighted the broader debate around trust in investigative institutions.

For ordinary citizens, especially women and families following the case closely, the Supreme Court hearing represents more than a procedural development. Many see it as a test of whether influential or controversial cases can be investigated transparently.

Public sentiment remains deeply emotional.

Outside the court complex and across online platforms, supporters of the family have continued demanding “speedy justice” and accountability for anyone found responsible.

Human rights activists say the coming days will be critical.

“A fair investigation matters not only for one family but for public faith in the justice system,” said Kolkata-based activist Rituparna Sen.

What Happens Next

The formal transfer process is expected to be completed shortly after the Supreme Court hearing. Once official notification is issued, the CBI will begin collecting documents, forensic reports and evidence from the state police.

The agency is expected to register a fresh FIR or adopt the existing case framework depending on procedural requirements.

Further hearings in the Supreme Court are likely as the investigation progresses.

For now, the case remains under intense national attention, with millions closely watching whether the CBI probe can answer the questions that have fueled weeks of outrage and speculation.