Twisha Sharma suicide: CBI files 636-page chargesheet, names ex-judge Giribala Singh and son
Synopsis
The CBI's 636-page chargesheet in the Twisha Sharma case is more than a procedural milestone — it formally indicts a retired district judge and her advocate son for dowry death, a rare prosecution of a judicial family that the Supreme Court itself had to intervene to set in motion.
Key Takeaways
The CBI filed a 636-page chargesheet on 17 August in the Twisha Sharma suicide case before a special CBI court in Bhopal .
Accused named: retired district judge Giribala Singh and her son, advocate Samarth Singh — both currently in judicial custody .
Charges include dowry death and demand for dowry under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Twisha Sharma , a 33-year-old former model and Miss Pune title-holder, was found hanging at her marital home in Katara Hills, Bhopal on 12 May .
The Supreme Court had directed the CBI to take over the probe; the Madhya Pradesh government had also recommended a central inquiry.
Both accused have filed bail applications before the Madhya Pradesh High Court and deny dowry demands.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a 636-page chargesheet in the Twisha Sharma suicide case, naming retired district judge Giribala Singh and her son, Samarth Singh, as the accused. The chargesheet was submitted on 17 August before a special CBI court in Bhopal, meeting a court-mandated deadline. Both accused remain in judicial custody and have separately approached the High Court for bail.
Charges Filed
The CBI has pressed charges of dowry death and demand for dowry under sections 80(2), 85, 108, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The volume of the chargesheet — spanning 636 pages — reflects the depth of the central agency's investigation, which included scene recreation, forensic examination, and digital analysis.
Who Is Twisha Sharma
Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old former model, actress, and Miss Pune title-holder from Greater Noida, married Samarth Singh — a Bhopal-based advocate — in December 2025. On the night of 12 May, she was found hanging at her marital home in the Katara Hills area of Bhopal. Her husband reportedly told authorities she had hanged herself around 10:20 pm. She was taken to AIIMS Bhopal and declared brought dead.
What the Evidence Shows
The post-mortem report cited cause of death as asphyxia due to ante-mortem hanging by ligature and noted multiple ante-mortem injuries, including contusions on the arm, finger, and head. Twisha's family alleged prolonged dowry-related harassment, mental and physical cruelty, and pressure linked to a pregnancy discovered around April 2026. They cited WhatsApp chats in which she reportedly expressed distress, asked to be taken away from Bhopal, and described her husband shouting at her shortly before a call disconnected on the evening of her death. The family also raised concerns about the handling of the body and potential evidence issues.
How the CBI Got Involved
An FIR was initially registered against Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The Madhya Pradesh government subsequently recommended a CBI inquiry, and the Supreme Court took cognisance of the matter, directing the agency to take over the probe. The CBI re-registered the case, arrested Samarth first, and later arrested Giribala Singh after the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed her anticipatory bail.
Defence Position and What Comes Next
The accused have maintained that Twisha's death was a suicide and have disputed certain CBI findings, including on voice samples, while denying dowry demands. The defence has pointed to alleged personal distress as an alternative explanation. Both Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh have filed bail applications before the High Court. With the chargesheet now formally filed, the case moves toward trial proceedings before the special CBI court.
Point of View
Combined with the family's digital evidence trail, will be the central battleground at trial. Whether the special court moves swiftly to framing of charges — or allows prolonged bail proceedings to delay justice — will be the real measure of accountability here.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Twisha Sharma suicide case?
Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old former model and Miss Pune title-holder from Greater Noida, was found hanging at her marital home in Katara Hills, Bhopal, on 12 May. She had married Bhopal-based advocate Samarth Singh in December 2025. Her family alleged prolonged dowry harassment and cruelty, and the case drew national attention after the Supreme Court directed the CBI to take over the investigation.
Who has the CBI named in its chargesheet?
The CBI has named retired district judge Giribala Singh and her son, advocate Samarth Singh, as the accused. Both are currently in judicial custody and have sought bail from the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
What charges have been filed against the accused?
The CBI has pressed charges of dowry death and demand for dowry under sections 80(2), 85, 108, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The chargesheet runs to 636 pages.
Why did the CBI take over this case?
The Madhya Pradesh government recommended a CBI probe, and the Supreme Court took cognisance of the matter and directed the agency to take over. The CBI re-registered the case, arrested Samarth Singh, and subsequently arrested Giribala Singh after the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed her anticipatory bail.
What is the defence's position?
Both Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh have maintained that Twisha's death was a suicide and have denied dowry demands. The defence has disputed certain CBI findings, including on voice samples, and has pointed to alleged personal distress as an alternative explanation. Both have filed bail applications before the High Court.
