The family of Twisha Sharma — the former model and actor whose death is under investigation — on Tuesday, 16 June reiterated allegations of institutional bias and procedural lapses in the initial probe, while expressing confidence in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry now under way. The family's remarks came after attending proceedings at a Bhopal court, where the case's investigation status was reviewed.

Family's Core Allegations

Twisha's father, Navnidhi Sharma, said the family had consistently maintained that the initial investigation was compromised by the influence of retired district judge Giribala Singh, one of the accused in the case. 'Our stand from day one has been that there was institutional bias and procedural irregularity in the investigation due to Giribala Singh's influence. These concerns were not raised recently; we have been saying this from the beginning,' Sharma said.

Navnidhi Sharma and Twisha's brother, Major Harshit Sharma, travelled from Delhi to Bhopal specifically to attend the hearing, underscoring the family's continued active involvement in the legal proceedings.

Confidence in the CBI

Despite their reservations about the earlier stages of the investigation, the family expressed satisfaction with the CBI's current conduct. 'We are satisfied with the CBI investigation and hope that Twisha will get justice. The agency is carrying out its work, and we are confident that the facts will emerge through the legal process,' Sharma said.

Sharma also noted that the family was deliberately exercising restraint in public commentary, in deference to the Supreme Court's guidelines. 'We are strictly adhering to the Supreme Court's guidelines and refraining from making statements that could influence the proceedings. We respect the judicial process and want the investigation to continue without any external pressure,' he said.

Key Gaps in the Investigation

Counsel representing Twisha's side, Shubhang Dixit, informed reporters that the CBI had apprised the court it was yet to receive the second post-mortem report — described as an important component of the investigation. The absence of this report is notable, given how central forensic findings typically are in cases involving disputed causes of death.

Accused Raises Concerns from Jail

During the same hearing, retired judge Giribala Singh raised concerns about her conditions in custody, seeking access to complete editions of Hindi and English newspapers and requesting additional time for meetings with her lawyers, citing the complexity of the case. She also sought permission to meet her legal counsel simultaneously with her son and co-accused, Samarth Singh, for coordinated defence preparation.

Giribala additionally objected to public statements allegedly being made by members of Twisha's family and sought appropriate directions from the court on the matter.

Remand Extended, Probe Continues

The court on Tuesday extended the judicial remand of both Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh till 30 June, as the CBI presses ahead with its investigation. The case continues to draw scrutiny given the seniority of one of the accused and the family's persistent claims of institutional interference in the early stages of the probe.