Navnidhi Sharma, father of Twisha Sharma who was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on 12 May 2025, on Thursday publicly thanked Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, the media, and citizens across India after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled the anticipatory bail of his daughter's mother-in-law, retired district judge Giribala Singh. Hours later, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) detained and arrested Singh from her residence in the Katara Hills area of Bhopal in connection with the alleged dowry death.

Father's Reaction

Speaking to reporters, Navnidhi Sharma said: 'First of all, I would like to thank my media friends and all Indians who have supported us in this fight for justice. I would also like to thank the Chief Justice of India. All of them have taken the necessary steps and set an example that no one is above the law.'

Sharma described the High Court's ruling as a landmark moment, saying it would serve as an inspiration to others seeking justice. He also flagged the broader social crisis around dowry-related deaths, stating: 'Dowry death is a matter of great concern nowadays. We will have to come out of this.'

Sharma expressed full confidence in the CBI, adding: 'They have solved previous cases too, and I believe they will deliver justice in this case as well.'

CBI Arrests Giribala Singh

A CBI team, accompanied by a heavy police contingent, reached Giribala Singh's residence in Katara Hills, Bhopal early Thursday morning. Local police barricaded the entire locality and restricted public movement during the arrest proceedings. Singh was first detained and subsequently placed under formal arrest in connection with the case.

The arrest came a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled the anticipatory bail that had been granted to her by the 10th Additional Sessions Judge, Bhopal, on 15 May 2025 — just three days after Twisha's death. The sessions court had cited Singh's age and money transfers to the deceased as grounds for relief.

What the High Court Found

In a 17-page order passed on Wednesday, a vacation bench of Justice Devnarayan Mishra quashed the bail, observing that the trial court had failed to properly examine crucial material facts. The High Court specifically noted that WhatsApp chats and statements by Twisha's family indicated the allegations were not confined to her husband alone.

'From the WhatsApp chats also, it cannot be said that the allegations are only against Samarth Singh,' the court observed, adding that several important aspects had been overlooked while granting relief to Giribala Singh.

The court held that the allegations warranted deeper scrutiny under Sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Key Facts of the Case

Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home on 12 May 2025, just five months after her marriage to Samarth Singh, son of Giribala Singh, on 9 December 2025. The post-mortem report cited the cause of death as antemortem hanging by ligature; however, the High Court noted six to seven additional injuries on Twisha's body, including injuries on her left arm, finger, and head.

Twisha's family alleged that both Giribala Singh and her son harassed Twisha and pressured her to terminate her pregnancy. The High Court noted it was an admitted fact that Twisha had indeed terminated her pregnancy prior to her death.

What Comes Next

With Giribala Singh now in CBI custody, investigators are expected to examine the WhatsApp communications, financial transactions, and witness statements flagged by the High Court. The case has drawn national attention as a test of accountability when the accused holds — or held — a position of judicial authority. All eyes are now on the CBI's chargesheet and the pace of the trial.