A Bhopal court on Tuesday, 2 June sent retired district judge Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh to judicial remand until 16 June in connection with the death of actor-model Twisha Sharma, after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court that it did not require their further custodial interrogation. The court also directed that both accused be held separately from the general inmate population at Bhopal Central Jail and issued jail warrants following the hearing.

Key Developments in Court

Both accused were produced before the district court after completing their five-day CBI custody on Tuesday. With the agency declining to seek an extension of custodial remand, the court formally transitioned them to judicial custody. According to advocate Ankur Pandey, who represents Twisha Sharma's family, the court issued specific directions ensuring the accused are housed separately from other inmates.

During the hearing, Giribala Singh levelled serious allegations, claiming that an advocate representing Twisha Sharma's family had assaulted her son Samarth Singh inside the court premises in Jabalpur. She also alleged that Samarth faced a threat to his life and sought court protection. Giribala additionally objected to what she described as a 'media trial', urging the court to curb coverage she claimed was influencing public perception.

Counsel for Twisha Sharma, Anurag Srivastava, countered the assault allegation and urged the court to verify the claim through CCTV footage available within the court premises. 'If such an incident occurred, the footage should be examined,' he said.

CBI Crime Scene Reconstruction

The court proceedings came a day after the CBI recreated the crime scene at the family's Bagmugalia residence in Bhopal, where Twisha Sharma was found hanging on 12 May. As part of the reconstruction exercise, investigators reportedly used an 80-kg dummy — nearly matching Twisha's reported body weight — to recreate the sequence of events and cross-verify statements provided by the accused and witnesses.

Background: The Twisha Sharma Case

Twisha Sharma, 33, a former model and actor from Noida, was found dead at her marital home less than six months after her marriage to Samarth Singh. While the death was initially recorded as a suicide, her family alleged that she was subjected to dowry harassment and murdered. The case drew widespread attention after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to Giribala Singh, citing material placed before it during the investigation.

What Happens Next

Both accused will remain in judicial custody at Bhopal Central Jail until the next hearing on 16 June. The CBI's decision not to seek further custodial remand suggests the agency has concluded its immediate interrogation requirements, though the investigation into the circumstances of Twisha Sharma's death is understood to be ongoing.