The Supreme Court on Monday indicated that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could formally take over the investigation into the death of Twisha Sharma within a day.
The development comes amid growing allegations of procedural lapses, institutional bias, and concerns surrounding the initial police investigation into the 32-year-old actor-model’s death in Madhya Pradesh.
Top Court Expresses Concern Over Public Narrative
A Supreme Court bench led by Surya Kant observed that the investigation must remain “fair and dispassionate.”
The bench also voiced concern over claims circulating publicly that the judiciary may have influenced the investigation because Sharma’s husband is a lawyer and her mother-in-law is a former judicial officer.
“We are slightly pained at the developments,” the bench remarked during the hearing.
The court stressed that an independent investigation by the CBI would help restore public confidence in the case.
Madhya Pradesh Government Recommends CBI Inquiry
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Madhya Pradesh government had already recommended a CBI investigation.
According to the Centre’s submission, the official notification allowing the CBI to take charge was expected shortly.
The Supreme Court noted that the transfer of the case would ensure an impartial probe amid intense public scrutiny.
Twisha Sharma Family Alleges Harassment and Cover-Up
Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12, just months after her marriage to advocate Samarth Singh.
Her family has alleged:
- dowry harassment,
- mental and physical torture,
- destruction of evidence,
- and murder.
The accused side has denied all allegations and claimed Sharma died by suicide.
Supreme Court Warns Against Media Trial
The apex court strongly cautioned both parties and the media against turning the case into a public spectacle.
The bench urged potential witnesses to record statements only before investigating authorities and requested media outlets not to broadcast witness versions during the ongoing probe.
“This shall avoid unnecessary premature impression of outcomes,” the court observed.
Questions Raised Over Initial Investigation
Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Sharma’s family, alleged serious delays in filing the FIR and failures in preserving evidence.
The court acknowledged concerns about:
- forensic handling,
- CCTV footage,
- delayed police action,
- and possible institutional influence.
The matter has already drawn national attention, with the National Commission for Women also taking suo motu cognisance of the case earlier.
Husband Surrenders After 10 Days
Samarth Singh reportedly surrendered before Bhopal police on May 22 after remaining untraceable for nearly 10 days following registration of the FIR.
He is currently in police custody.
Meanwhile, his mother, former district judge Giribala Singh, has secured anticipatory bail, though the order has reportedly been challenged.
CBI Probe Expected to Intensify Investigation
With the CBI expected to formally assume control of the investigation soon, the case is likely to witness a deeper forensic review and re-examination of evidence.
The Supreme Court clarified that it had not commented on the merits of the allegations and that the investigation agency must independently examine every aspect of the case.
