New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has come out in support of the request of Twisha Sharma’s father to transfer the trial of his daughter’s dowry death case to Delhi.
In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the CBI shared its apprehension regarding the influential position of Twisha’s mother-in-law in Bhopal, saying it could adversely impact the trial there.
Given Giribala Singh’s long standing in the Madhya Pradesh legal system, the CBI said her judicial background means she “may influence” the proceedings and intimidate witnesses as well. The affidavit has reiterated this point more than once in the affidavit.
Giribala Singh retired as the Principal District and Sessions Judge of Bhopal. She was the president of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bhopal when it was alleged that Twisha committed suicide because she faced harassment from both her husband and mother-in-law. Her son Samarth Singh is a practicing advocate in Bhopal.
To support its stand, the CBI affidavit highlights two instances of alleged interference by the former judge during the investigation. The central agency has claimed Giribala Singh tried to manage the crime scene and even tamper with evidence after Twisha’s death.
It alleged Giribala Singh misused her position, with a “series of incidences” showing unwarranted interference in the police investigation. During the probe, she had called a technician and obtained copies of the relevant CCTV footage.
Similarly, she had phoned the owner of a beauty parlour to know about Twisha’s visit there on 12 May. The former judge had then sent people to collect the parlour’s CCTV footage.
Both these incidents, the CBI said, is evidence that Giribala Singh can and does use her position and contacts to reach evidence and witnesses.
Though the CBI has not formally sought the transfer of the trial, it has urged the Supreme Court to pass appropriate orders after considering the information provided to it in the affidavit and in the interest of justice. It supports the concerns raised in the transfer petition.
Twisha, a former Miss Pune from Noida, had married Samarth Singh in December 2025. The 33-year-old was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills on the night of 12 May. She was declared brought dead at the AIIMS, Bhopal.
Three days later, an FIR was registered against Giribala Singh and her son. Within a week, the Madhya Pradesh government asked for a CBI probe on 22 May. The agency took over the case soon after the Supreme Court took suo-motu cognisance of the case.
In August, the CBI filed its chargesheet. Cognisance has been taken, and the sessions court in Bhopal is hearing arguments on charge. However, the CBI affidavit says, further investigation is still on.
The SC, meanwhile, adjourned hearing for a week on the plea to transfer the case to Delhi. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant deferred the hearing after the respondent’s counsel sought additional time.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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