In brief
The death of 33‑year‑old model and actress Twisha Sharma in May 2025 led to a high‑profile investigation by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation, which charged her husband, lawyer Samarth Singh, and the retired judge Giribala Singh, mother‑in‑law, with abetment to suicide and cruelty. The case hinges on allegations of mental abuse, dowry demands and forced abortion after Twisha’s pregnancy, while the families accuse her in‑laws of torture. The chargesheet, spanning 600 pages, implicates the couple in repeated mental cruelty and obscene remarks, raising questions about the role of judiciary in upholding family and societal protocols. Both parties deny wrongdoing, with Giribala claiming Twisha’s mental health caused her death. The case is now under judicial scrutiny, highlighting the broader issue of dowry and domestic violence in India.
On 12 May 2025, 33‑year‑old model and actor Twisha Sharma was found dead in her Bhopal residence, sparking a national investigation by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The CBI’s chargesheet accuses her husband, Samarth Singh, a practising lawyer, and the retired judge Giribala Singh, his mother‑in‑law, of abetment to suicide and cruelty. Both accused deny the claims, arguing that Twisha’s reported mental health issues led to her self‑harm.
Family members allege that Twisha was subjected to mental abuse and forced to abort after a pregnancy, with dowry demands cited as the main grievance. The CBI alleges that Samarth repeatedly used demeaning language, while Giribala allegedly instigated further psychological torment.
The 600‑page document states that due to relentless mental cruelty, Twisha felt she had no alternative but to end her life. The case is now under judicial scrutiny, with both parties remaining in custody.
This incident has reignited debate on dowry practices and the responsibilities of the judiciary in India’s domestic affairs. The families’ lawyer, Ankur Pandey, emphasised that the investigation has treated the death as an alleged suicide, pending further evidence. Giribala’s counsel, Inosh George Carlo, said the case did not evidence dowry harassment or murder.
