The CBI arrested former district judge Giribala Singh in the suspicious death case of daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma in Bhopal, while conducting extensive forensic examination using high-intensity 3D imaging technology to reconstruct the alleged incident and examine visibility from neighbouring residential properties surrounding the matrimonial home.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested former district judge Giribala Singh in connection with the suspicious death of her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal earlier this month.
According to reports, CBI officials reached Giribala Singh’s residence at around 10:30 am and questioned her for several hours before formally arresting her at approximately 5:10 pm.
During the investigation, the CBI also conducted a detailed forensic examination of the residence. Investigators used a high-intensity 3D imaging camera to digitally record and map the premises. The agency also examined surrounding areas and nearby terraces and balconies to assess whether the alleged incident spot was visible from neighbouring properties and to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Giribala Singh has been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Section 80(2) relating to dowry death, Section 85 dealing with cruelty by husband or relatives of the husband, and Section 3(5) concerning acts done in furtherance of common intention. She also faces charges under Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
The arrest came a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled the anticipatory bail earlier granted to her by the 10th Additional Sessions Judge, Bhopal, on May 15.
While setting aside the lower court’s order, the High Court observed that the anticipatory bail had been granted without adequately considering the seriousness of the allegations, the evidence collected during investigation and the postmortem findings.
Speaking after the High Court order, Advocate General of Madhya Pradesh Prashant Singh said:
“The High Court has taken serious note of certain observations in the case, like seven antemortem injuries on the body of Twisha Sharma, indicating towards a serious crime, non-cooperation by Giribala Singh despite several notices and WhatsApp chats indicating mental harassment of Twisha Sharma. Looking at all this, the High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail of Giribala Singh. Now, it is up to the CBI to decide whether or not a custodial interrogation needs to be done.”
During the hearing before the High Court, lawyers representing Twisha Sharma’s family argued that she had allegedly been subjected to continuous mental harassment and was “badly stuck” in her matrimonial home.
The High Court, while examining the case diary and witness statements, observed that the statements of Twisha’s parents and relatives consistently pointed towards harassment allegedly caused by both her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh from the initial stage of investigation itself.
The Court also took serious note of allegations that Giribala Singh, being a retired judicial officer with training in cyber crime, cyber forensics and crime scene management, may have used her expertise to influence or tamper with evidence during the course of investigation.
The case has drawn significant public attention ever since Twisha Sharma was found dead at her marital residence on May 12. According to the postmortem report, the cause of death was “antemortem hanging by ligature.” However, the medical examination also reportedly found multiple antemortem injuries on other parts of her body, raising further suspicion regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
Twisha’s family subsequently accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment, mental cruelty and pressuring her to undergo an abortion. They alleged that the accused persons were dissatisfied with the dowry given at the time of her marriage in December 2025.
The High Court had earlier observed that WhatsApp chats and other material collected during investigation prima facie suggested mental harassment faced by Twisha Sharma.
Last week, Samarth Singh surrendered before a court after allegedly remaining absconding for nearly ten days. He, too, is facing allegations related to dowry harassment and cruelty.
The CBI formally took over the investigation into the case earlier this week after the matter was transferred from the state police. The agency subsequently re-registered the FIR against Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh.
According to the CBI FIR, Giribala Singh had allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh from Twisha Sharma’s family at the time of “vidai,” which was allegedly paid by the victim’s family on her insistence.
The investigation is presently underway, and the CBI is expected to further examine forensic evidence, digital records, witness statements and financial transactions connected to the allegations.
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