CBI files a chargesheet against Twisha Sharma's husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh over alleged dowry harassment and abetment to suicide
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed a chargesheet against Twisha Sharma’s husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh in connection with her death case, accusing them of offences related to abetment to suicide and dowry harassment. The development has brought a major twist in the case, which had earlier sparked allegations of murder, domestic cruelty and suspicious circumstances surrounding Twisha’s death.
The 636-page chargesheet was submitted before the Special CBI Court in Bhopal after a detailed investigation involving forensic analysis, digital evidence, CCTV footage, call records and witness statements. The agency has not found evidence supporting the murder allegations but has focused its probe on whether alleged harassment and dowry-related pressure contributed to Twisha’s death.
The CBI investigation has rejected the murder theory raised by Twisha Sharma’s father N Sharma, who had alleged that his daughter was assaulted and later hanged to make the incident appear like a suicide. After examining forensic reports, technical evidence and statements collected during the investigation, the agency did not find sufficient evidence to establish a murder conspiracy.
Instead, the CBI’s findings indicate that the evidence points towards suicide, while investigators examined whether mental cruelty, domestic harassment and dowry-related pressure played a role in the circumstances leading to Twisha’s death.
The chargesheet has been filed under relevant Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to abetment to suicide and dowry death, along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
The national agency has named Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh as accused after investigating allegations of domestic harassment and dowry-related cruelty. Investigators examined claims that Twisha faced emotional pressure and difficulties in her marital home. The probe also looked into issues related to her unborn child and whether circumstances connected with pregnancy contributed to the mental distress allegedly faced by her.
The inclusion of dowry death provisions in the chargesheet shows that the agency examined whether alleged cruelty and harassment connected with dowry demands had any role in the events before her death. The court will now assess whether the evidence submitted by the CBI is sufficient to establish criminal liability.
The call detail records of Giribala Singh were also reviewed during the investigation. According to details examined by the agency, around 46 calls were made after Twisha’s death, including communications with senior officials in the Bhopal administration.
Giribala Singh reportedly maintained that the calls were related to receiving condolences after the incident. However, investigators examined the timing, recipients and purpose of these communications to determine whether any interaction could have affected the investigation process or evidence handling.
The call records became part of the larger forensic assessment conducted by the agency.
Technology and forensic evidence became key components of the investigation. CBI examined Twisha’s WhatsApp chats, mobile phone records and her final conversation with her mother before her death. Investigators also collected voice samples of Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh for forensic examination.
Digital footprints, communication patterns and electronic records were analysed to reconstruct the timeline of events before and after the incident. Investigators used technical evidence to understand conversations, interactions and circumstances that could provide clues about Twisha’s mental condition and the events leading up to her death.
The handling of CCTV footage after Twisha’s death also remained an important part of the investigation. The national agency examined the actions of Giribala Singh, a former judge, and investigated allegations related to the handling of CCTV recordings and digital video recorder (DVR) footage. Investigators looked into communication with the CCTV technician and the process through which footage was extracted and shared.
Earlier reports suggested that selected portions of CCTV footage were circulated publicly. The footage reportedly showed Samarth Singh attempting to provide CPR to Twisha, while Giribala Singh was also visible. CBI analysed the CCTV footage along with forensic reports, witness statements and other collected evidence to understand the complete sequence of events.
Twisha Sharma’s visit to a beauty salon on the day of her death also became a significant aspect of the probe. The salon owner’s statement was examined by investigators to understand Twisha’s activities and behaviour shortly before the incident. The investigation looked into details such as the duration of her visit, services taken and whether Twisha appeared normal during the interaction.
The family of Samarth Singh had earlier referred to the salon visit as an indication that there was no visible conflict between the couple, stating that both had visited the salon together before returning home. CBI compared these claims with digital evidence, witness accounts and other investigative findings.
Dowry Harassment And Domestic Pressure In Focus
Twisha Sharma’s death had triggered widespread attention after her family raised allegations of foul play and demanded a detailed investigation. Her father questioned the circumstances surrounding her death and alleged that she was subjected to violence before the incident.
Following public attention and legal developments, the case was handed over to CBI for a detailed investigation. The agency conducted an extensive probe involving forensic experts, technical teams and multiple witnesses to examine different possibilities, including murder allegations, suicide, domestic harassment and dowry-related cruelty.
The case has once again highlighted concerns surrounding dowry harassment, domestic cruelty and mental pressure faced by women within marriages. Investigations in alleged abetment to suicide cases require examination of the complete chain of events, including personal communication, family relationships, financial issues, behavioural patterns and evidence of harassment.
The inclusion of dowry-related charges means the court will now examine whether the allegations and evidence fulfil the legal requirements for prosecution. The case has also revived discussions around women’s safety, legal protection and the importance of timely investigation in sensitive domestic matters.
The matter continues to remain in public focus as it raises wider questions about dowry-related crimes, marital disputes, domestic pressure and accountability in cases involving women’s safety.
