CBI arrests Twisha Sharma's mother-in-law after court cancels anticipatory bail

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Giribala Singh, the mother-in-law of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12.

The arrest came hours after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled the anticipatory bail earlier granted to the retired district court judge in connection with the case. The CBI is expected to produce her before a court on Friday.

Earlier in the day, a three-member CBI team reached Singh’s residence around 10:30 am and questioned her as part of the ongoing probe. Sources said the agency also carried out digital mapping of the premises during the visit.

The CBI has intensified its investigation after taking over the case earlier this week. It is also planning to set up a camp office in Bhopal and has written to the city Police Commissioner seeking office space. The agency has additionally requested a secure facility for storing case-related documents and evidence.

COURT CANCELS ANTICIPATORY BAIL

Earlier in the day, the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed the anticipatory bail granted to the former judge, citing the factual circumstances of the case and the allegations levelled against her.

A sessions court had on May 15 granted anticipatory bail to Singh, who, along with her son Samarth Singh, is accused of dowry harassment.

In its 17-page order, Justice Devnarayan Mishra observed that, “in the light of the factual aspects of the case and the allegations levelled against the respondent,” the earlier bail order passed by the additional sessions judge could not stand and was therefore set aside.

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the prosecution, had argued that the manner in which anticipatory bail was granted raised concerns that relevant aspects were not properly considered by the trial court.

Following the HC order, advocate Anurag Shrivastava, representing the victim’s family, said, “Finally, justice is done in the case.”

‘SINGH TAMPERED WITH EVIDENCE’

As per Twisha’s counsel, the in-laws allegedly restricted her from living peacefully and “did not allow her to grieve."

After securing anticipatory bail, Singh allegedly addressed a press conference on May 18 and attempted to tarnish the deceased’s image through various claims, the counsel told the High Court.

It was further alleged that Singh misused her position and tampered with the crime scene. The prosecution also argued that she had received specialised training in crime scene management, which raised apprehensions about possible tampering with evidence.

Police had seized CCTV footage from the residence on May 13, but Singh allegedly retained portions of the footage and circulated a selective clip on social media, which the CBI said indicated an attempt to tamper evidence.

‘LEFT NO STONE UNTURNED TO MALIGN TWISHA’

The CBI told the High Court that custodial interrogation of the mother-in-law was necessary, alleging she had “left no stone unturned” to malign Twisha Sharma’s character.

Opposing anticipatory bail, the agency also cited allegations of dowry harassment, forced termination of pregnancy, and tampering with evidence. It further claimed that the in-laws had failed to explain injuries found on Twisha’s body.

According to the CBI, Twisha had suffered injuries on her wrist and elbow, but no satisfactory explanation had been provided regarding how they occurred.

The agency also submitted that WhatsApp chats recovered during the investigation suggested that the mother-son duo had questioned Twisha’s character after she became pregnant. The CBI alleged that she was subsequently forced to undergo an abortion following claims regarding the child’s paternity.

The state government, meanwhile, highlighted Singh’s repeated media interactions, alleging she was attempting to shape public perception while avoiding summons for questioning. “She had time to speak to the media, but not to cooperate with the investigation,” the government told the court.

SAMARTH SINGH SENT TO CBI CUSTODY

Earlier on Wednesday, a court in Bhopal remanded Twisha Sharma’s husband, Samarth Singh, to CBI custody. Following this, a CBI team took him to his mother’s residence in the Katara Hills area as part of further investigation.

The CBI formally took over the case on Monday and re-registered the FIR initially filed by Madhya Pradesh Police, naming both Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh as accused.

While Twisha’s family has alleged domestic violence, mental harassment, physical abuse and murder, the mother-in-law has denied all charges.

Further interrogation by the agency is expected to shed more light on the alleged conspiracy and may help unravel deeper layers of the case.