The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday, 20 May took suo motu cognisance of media reports surrounding the suspicious death of Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old resident of Noida, who died under disputed circumstances in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, barely five months after her marriage. The Commission has directed senior state officials to ensure an immediate, transparent, and time-bound investigation.

What the NCW Has Directed

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Madhya Pradesh, calling for an impartial probe and demanding a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days. The Commission has sought specific information on the provisions invoked in the First Information Report (FIR), the arrest and interrogation status of the accused, and steps taken to apprehend the absconding accused, Samarth Singh.

The NCW has further sought details on passport impoundment, CCTV footage, call records, electronic and forensic evidence, and the post-mortem report. It has also directed that any prior complaints on record be acted upon and that the victim's family be shielded from intimidation, pressure, or character assassination.

Allegations Against the Accused

According to media reports, Twisha's family has levelled grave allegations of dowry harassment and both mental and physical torture against her husband, Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh. Twisha allegedly died by suicide at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on 12 May. Singh is currently absconding, while Giribala Singh has been granted interim bail.

Strongly condemning the incident, the NCW stated that no negligence or misuse of influence would be tolerated in cases involving dowry harassment and domestic violence, and that strict action must be ensured against the perpetrators.

Family Seeks Independent Medical Opinion

On Wednesday, Twisha's family issued a fresh statement calling for an independent medical opinion from a premier national institution, arguing it would 'help restore public confidence in the investigation.' An application to this effect was filed on Tuesday before Magistrate Anudita Gupta.

Twisha's father, Navnidhi Sharma, said: 'We filed the application only to ensure no doubt remains about the actual cause and circumstances of her death.' The family expressed concern that the body, lying at AIIMS Bhopal for the last eight days, could see crucial forensic findings compromised if further delay occurs.

Forensic Evidence and Digital Records at Stake

The family's plea has also sought the immediate preservation and forensic securing of Call Detail Records, tower location data, electronic communication records, Internet usage logs, WhatsApp and other digital metadata connected to more than 40 mobile numbers. The family's statement also noted that a press note referred to co-accused Giribala Singh — who has received interim bail — as 'Giri Huyi Bala', a remark the family flagged as an attempt to trivialise the case.

What Happens Next

With the NCW's seven-day deadline for an ATR now in effect, Madhya Pradesh authorities face pressure to demonstrate investigative rigour. The outcome of the family's application before Magistrate Gupta — particularly regarding an independent post-mortem review and digital evidence preservation — is expected to shape the next phase of proceedings. This case arrives amid heightened national scrutiny of dowry-related deaths and the pace at which state machinery responds to such complaints.