Twisha Sharma case: Ex-judge Giribala Singh produced in Bhopal court as accused
Synopsis
A retired Principal District Judge walked back into the Bhopal District Court she once presided over — this time in the dock. Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh were produced before a magistrate in the alleged dowry death of actor-model Twisha Sharma, with the CBI securing five days' custody for further interrogation.
Key Takeaways
Giribala Singh , retired Principal District Judge , was produced in Bhopal District Court on 29 May as an accused in the Twisha Sharma dowry death case.
Her son Samarth Singh , Twisha's husband, was produced alongside her; both were arrested by the CBI .
The court granted the CBI five days' custody of both accused for further interrogation.
Twisha Sharma allegedly died by suicide on 12 May , months after her marriage to Samarth Singh.
The case was transferred from a Bhopal Police SIT to the CBI following public demand for an independent probe.
Former Principal District Judge Giribala Singh, who retired from the Bhopal District Court in February 2023, was produced before the same court on Friday, 29 May as an accused in the alleged dowry death of her daughter-in-law, actor-model Twisha Sharma. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) escorted her and her son Samarth Singh — Twisha's husband — to the court, drawing a large crowd of lawyers, litigants, and staff across the complex.
How the Hearing Unfolded
The CBI convoy arrived at the district court premises to immediate public attention. Investigators first brought Samarth Singh out of a vehicle and led him to the courtroom of Magistrate Shobhana Bhalawe. Giribala Singh was brought in separately, under security cover, and escorted up to the third-floor courtroom as lawyers and staff watched silently from corridors and balconies.
Inside the packed courtroom, both accused stood in the dock for proceedings that lasted over two hours. The 65-year-old former judge remained composed throughout, interacting with her legal team and son — at times explaining points to her counsel, at others responding with gestures and nods.
CBI Gets Five Days' Custody
Following arguments from both sides, the court granted the CBI five days' custody of Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh for further interrogation. The CBI had arrested Samarth Singh earlier this week; Giribala Singh was taken into custody after prolonged questioning by the agency on Thursday evening.
Background: Twisha Sharma's Death
Twisha Sharma, an actor-model, allegedly died by suicide on 12 May, barely months after her marriage to Samarth Singh in what family members described as a well-attended ceremony celebrated by both families. Following her death, Twisha's family accused her husband and mother-in-law of harassment and dowry-related cruelty, alleging she had been subjected to persistent mental pressure and repeated demands after marriage.
From SIT to CBI
The case was initially investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Bhopal Police. Amid mounting public attention and demands for an independent probe, it was subsequently handed over to the CBI. The transfer underscored the sensitivity of the case — involving a former judicial officer as an accused — and the pressure on authorities to ensure impartial investigation.
The case has drawn sharp focus on the accountability of those who once administered justice, and further court dates are expected as the CBI interrogation proceeds.
Point of View
And the five-day custody order suggests the agency believes there is more to uncover. What the case will ultimately reveal is whether the protections that judicial office can informally confer were deployed to delay accountability — and whether the CBI probe can withstand the legal firepower that a former judge's defence team is likely to bring.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Giribala Singh and why was she arrested?
Giribala Singh is a retired Principal District Judge who served in Bhopal until February 2023. She was arrested by the CBI in connection with the alleged dowry death of her daughter-in-law, actor-model Twisha Sharma, who allegedly died by suicide on 12 May.
What happened to Twisha Sharma?
Twisha Sharma, an actor-model, allegedly died by suicide on 12 May, shortly after her marriage to Samarth Singh. Her family has alleged she was subjected to dowry-related harassment and persistent mental pressure by her husband and mother-in-law.
Why was the case transferred to the CBI?
The case was initially handled by a Special Investigation Team of the Bhopal Police. It was transferred to the CBI following mounting public attention and demands for an independent, impartial investigation, given the seniority of the accused.
What did the court decide on 29 May?
The Bhopal District Court granted the CBI five days' custody of both Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh for further interrogation, following arguments from both sides during a hearing that lasted over two hours.
What is the current status of the case?
Both Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh are in CBI custody for five days as of 29 May. The CBI is conducting further interrogation, and additional court proceedings are expected as the investigation continues.
