A magistrate in Bhopal is set to hear a plea on Wednesday, 20 May seeking a second postmortem in the Twisha Sharma death case, as the family of the 23-year-old woman — who allegedly died by suicide at her matrimonial home on 12 May — escalates pressure for a transparent, independent inquiry. The application was filed before Magistrate Anudita Gupta on Tuesday, with the family arguing that an independent medical review by a premier national institution is essential to restore public confidence.

The Second Autopsy Demand

The family has specifically requested that the second postmortem be conducted at AIIMS Delhi, citing the need for an authoritative, independent assessment. Twisha's body has been lying at AIIMS Bhopal for eight days, and the family warned that further delay risks compromising critical forensic findings due to decomposition.

'We filed the application only to ensure no doubt remains about the actual cause and circumstances of her death,' said Navnidhi Sharma, Twisha's father, in a statement issued on Wednesday. He added that once all forensic procedures are complete, Twisha's remains can be cremated 'peacefully and with dignity.'

CDR and Digital Evidence: 40+ Numbers in Focus

Alongside the autopsy plea, the family has sought the immediate preservation and forensic securing of Call Detail Records (CDR), tower location data, electronic communication records, internet usage logs, WhatsApp and other digital metadata connected to more than 40 mobile numbers. The family contends this digital trail is vital to establishing the full picture of events leading up to Twisha's death.

The breadth of the CDR request — spanning over four dozen numbers — signals that the family suspects a wider network of communication may be relevant to the case.

Co-Accused on Bail and Allegations of Influence

The family's statement also raised concerns about Giribala Singh, a co-accused who has been granted interim bail. According to the family, a press note referred to Singh using a phrase that appeared to mock her name. More seriously, the family alleged that a person currently on bail used official judicial office premises to address the media and make public statements against the deceased.

'Twisha is not alive to defend herself against public allegations,' the family said, questioning whether ordinary citizens have equal protection under law when influential persons are involved in a case.

The family stated that if Singh believes she is innocent, she should support — rather than oppose — the request for a second postmortem at AIIMS Delhi.

Family's Fears Over Evidence Tampering

The Sharma family expressed apprehension that obstruction or delay by influential persons could lead to irreversible deterioration of forensic evidence. 'We fear that unnecessary procedural delay may irreversibly affect crucial forensic findings and prejudice the cause of justice,' Navnidhi Sharma stated.

The family also raised broader questions about whether public institutions were being used to shape narratives against a deceased victim who can no longer respond to allegations made in public forums.

What Happens Next

The matter is listed before Magistrate Anudita Gupta for hearing on Wednesday. The court's decision on the second autopsy plea will be closely watched, as it will determine whether an independent forensic review — and the preservation of digital evidence tied to over 40 numbers — proceeds. The outcome could significantly shape the direction of the investigation into the suspicious circumstances surrounding Twisha's death.