CBI 3D scans ex-judge Giribala Singh's Bhopal home in Twisha Sharma death case
Synopsis
The CBI's 3D scan of a retired judge's Bhopal home marks a sharp escalation in the Twisha Sharma death case — coming just one day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled Giribala Singh's anticipatory bail, citing seven ante-mortem injuries on the body, unaddressed WhatsApp evidence, and the accused's alleged failure to cooperate with investigators. An arrest is reportedly imminent.
Key Takeaways
The CBI conducted a 3D scan of retired judge Giribala Singh's residence in Katara Hills, Bhopal on 28 May .
Actress Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home on 12 May ; postmortem cited antemortem hanging by ligature but also found 6–7 additional injuries .
The Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed Giribala Singh's anticipatory bail on Wednesday in a 17-page order , citing failure to examine key evidence including WhatsApp chats .
Allegations include dowry harassment and pressure to terminate pregnancy against both Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh .
Charges are being examined under Sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the BNS and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act .
Sources indicate the CBI may arrest Giribala Singh soon.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday, 28 May conducted a 3D scan of the Bhopal residence of retired judge Giribala Singh in Katara Hills, intensifying its probe into the death of her daughter-in-law, actress Twisha Sharma. The operation, backed by a heavy police presence, began around 10:30 am, with local police barricading the area and restricting public movement during the scan.
Background: Twisha Sharma's Death
Actress Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home on 12 May. The postmortem report cited the cause of death as antemortem hanging by ligature. However, investigators found six to seven additional injuries on her body — including wounds on her left arm, finger, and head — which a subsequent query report confirmed were not caused during removal of the body from the ligature or during her transfer to hospital.
High Court Cancels Anticipatory Bail
The CBI's 3D scan came a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed the anticipatory bail that had been granted to Giribala Singh. In a 17-page order passed on Wednesday, vacation judge Devnarayan Mishra ruled that the Additional Sessions Judge — who had granted pre-arrest bail on 15 May — had failed to properly examine crucial material facts and evidence.
The High Court observed that WhatsApp chats and statements from Twisha's family indicated that allegations were not confined to her husband, Samarth Singh, alone. 'From the WhatsApp chats also, it cannot be said that the allegations are only against Samarth Singh,' the court noted, adding that several important aspects had been overlooked when bail was granted.
Allegations and Legal Provisions Invoked
The High Court held that the allegations against Giribala Singh warranted deeper scrutiny under Sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The court also referred to the family's allegations that both Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh allegedly harassed Twisha for dowry and pressured her to terminate her pregnancy.
During the hearing, counsel for Twisha's father argued that Giribala Singh, being a retired judicial officer with training in cyber forensics and crime scene management, may have used her expertise to tamper with the crime scene — an allegation that remains under investigation.
State Government's Position
Madhya Pradesh Advocate General Prashant Singh, who represented the state in the case, said on Thursday: 'A detailed hearing was held yesterday in the matter. The main points considered by the High Court include that seven ante-mortem injuries were found on Twisha Sharma's body, indicating the seriousness of the case. Secondly, several notices were issued by the investigating team, but the required cooperation was not provided by Giribala Singh.'
What Happens Next
According to sources, the CBI is likely to arrest Giribala Singh in the near future. The 3D scan of her residence is expected to yield forensic data that investigators believe could be critical to reconstructing the sequence of events. The case has drawn national attention, partly because the accused is a former judicial officer, raising sharp questions about institutional accountability.
Point of View
If substantiated, would represent a serious breach of institutional trust. The CBI's use of 3D scanning suggests investigators are treating the residence itself as a potential evidence site — a signal that conventional forensics may have already been compromised.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Twisha Sharma death case?
Actress Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on 12 May. While the postmortem report cited antemortem hanging by ligature as the cause of death, investigators also found six to seven additional injuries on her body that were not explained by the removal of the body or hospital transfer, prompting a CBI probe into the circumstances of her death.
Why did the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancel Giribala Singh's anticipatory bail?
The High Court quashed the bail in a 17-page order, ruling that the trial court had failed to examine crucial evidence including WhatsApp chats and family statements that pointed to allegations beyond Twisha's husband Samarth Singh. The court also cited seven ante-mortem injuries on the body and Giribala Singh's alleged non-cooperation with investigators.
What is the significance of the CBI's 3D scan?
The 3D scan of Giribala Singh's Bhopal residence is a forensic technique used to create a precise digital reconstruction of a space, which can help investigators identify evidence of tampering or reconstruct events. Its use suggests the CBI believes the crime scene or residence may hold critical physical evidence relevant to Twisha Sharma's death.
What charges does Giribala Singh face?
The High Court indicated that her conduct requires scrutiny under Sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. Allegations include dowry harassment and pressuring Twisha to terminate her pregnancy, according to statements from Twisha's family.
Is Giribala Singh likely to be arrested?
According to sources cited in reports, the CBI is likely to arrest Giribala Singh in the near future, following the High Court's cancellation of her anticipatory bail and the ongoing forensic investigation at her residence.
