Twisha death case: CBI takes Samarth Singh to Bhopal home, summons cousin Swaraj
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday, 27 May took accused Samarth Singh to his family residence in Bhopal shortly after formally taking him into custody, as part of its deepening probe into the alleged dowry death of actress Twisha Sharma. The agency also summoned Samarth's cousin, Swaraj Singh, for questioning in connection with the case.
Reconstruction at the Crime Scene
Investigators conducted an extensive search and questioning exercise at the residence of Samarth Singh's mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, for several hours. A CBI team, accompanied by local police officials and a heavy deployment of police personnel, carried out the exercise as part of efforts to reconstruct the exact sequence of events inside the house on the day of the incident.
The visible security presence outside the residence drew attention from local residents and media personnel, reflecting the heightened public interest surrounding the case.
Why Swaraj Singh Has Been Summoned
According to sources, Swaraj Singh is believed to have been among the three individuals who allegedly helped carry Twisha Sharma's body downstairs following her death. The CBI considers his questioning critical to establishing the timeline and the precise circumstances surrounding her death on 12 May.
Investigators are seeking to verify the statements of all individuals present at the time and cross-check them against the physical evidence gathered at the scene.
Transfer from SIT to CBI Custody
Samarth Singh had been in the custody of the Madhya Pradesh Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) since 23 May. On Wednesday, he was produced before the district magistrate court in Bhopal, after which formal custody transferred to the CBI.
'The magistrate court proceedings were merely a formality, as the custody is no longer required by the SIT because the investigation has been transferred to the CBI. From this point onward, any further legal proceedings will take place in the concerned CBI court, and the CBI will continue the investigation,' said Ankur Pandey, counsel for Twisha Sharma's family.
Notably, Bhopal Police had also taken Samarth Singh to the same residence — the alleged crime scene — on Monday night, before the CBI formally assumed charge.
Background: Twisha Sharma's Death and Family's Allegations
Twisha Sharma, a Noida-based actress and wife of Samarth Singh, allegedly died by suicide at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on 12 May. Her family has disputed the suicide narrative, alleging sustained harassment, domestic violence, and dowry demands by her husband and in-laws, and has called for a thorough investigation into what they describe as foul play.
The CBI's takeover of the case signals a significant escalation in the investigation. With Samarth Singh now in CBI custody and Swaraj Singh summoned, the agency's next steps — including forensic analysis and statement corroboration — are expected to be pivotal in determining the direction of the case.