The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday night cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to retired judge Giribala Singh in connection with the death case of her daughter-in-law, Twisha Sharma, in Bhopal.
The late-night hearing drew significant attention after the court observed that the accused had allegedly failed to cooperate with investigators despite repeated notices. The court also noted the seriousness of the allegations and said the lower court had overlooked important evidence while granting relief.
Twisha Sharma, a woman in her 30s, was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12. What was initially suspected to be a suicide later led to allegations of harassment and dowry-related abuse against her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh. The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
High Court Quashes Bail Order
Justice Devanarayan Mishra of the Madhya Pradesh High Court set aside the anticipatory bail order issued earlier by a Bhopal district court on May 15.
According to court observations, Giribala Singh allegedly did not cooperate with the investigation even after multiple notices were served for recording her statement.
The court stated that the lower court failed to adequately consider key evidence, including WhatsApp chats, medical findings and other materials presented during the investigation.
The High Court also observed that the allegations were not limited only to Twisha Sharma’s husband and that several facts required deeper examination during the probe.
Court Mentions Injury Marks And Evidence
The High Court referred to the postmortem report, which confirmed death due to hanging but also recorded six additional ante-mortem injuries on Twisha Sharma’s body.
According to the order, some injuries were found on the victim’s arm, finger and head. The court noted that these injuries were not caused while removing the body or transporting it to the hospital.
The bench further stated that financial transactions made before the marriage could not automatically rule out allegations of dowry harassment.
Questions Raised Over Investigation Cooperation
During the hearing, the state government and Twisha Sharma’s family argued that Giribala Singh had violated bail conditions and was not responding to notices issued by investigators.
Advocate General Prashant Singh reportedly informed the court that notices had to be sent through WhatsApp after repeated attempts to contact the accused failed.
Lawyers representing Twisha Sharma’s family also alleged that selective CCTV footage from the residence was leaked on social media, raising concerns about possible evidence tampering.
Trial Court Order Set Aside
The anticipatory bail had earlier been granted by a district court citing Giribala Singh’s age and local residence, stating that there was little chance of her absconding.
However, the High Court ruled that age alone could not justify anticipatory bail in a case involving serious allegations.
Senior counsel appearing for Twisha Sharma’s family argued that individuals with legal and judicial backgrounds possess a strong understanding of crime scenes and investigation procedures, making cooperation with investigators crucial.
Twisha Sharma Death Case Remains Under CBI Probe
Twisha Sharma’s husband Samarth Singh remains in CBI custody after surrendering days after the incident. The investigation is continuing as officials examine allegations related to harassment, dowry demands and the circumstances surrounding Twisha Sharma’s death.
The case has sparked widespread public debate and drawn attention to issues related to domestic abuse, dowry harassment and accountability in high-profile investigations.
