Twisha Sharma case: Giribala Singh denies wrongdoing at MP HC bail hearing
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Giribala Singh, mother-in-law of deceased Twisha Sharma, on Wednesday, 27 May denied all allegations levelled by the Madhya Pradesh Police while defending her anticipatory bail plea before the Principal Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Jabalpur. The hearing comes after the case was recently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), raising the stakes for all parties involved.
Key Submissions Before the High Court
Through her counsel, advocate Mrigendra Singh, Giribala Singh submitted a detailed reply asserting full cooperation with investigators at every stage of the probe. The defence argued that custodial interrogation was unnecessary and that arresting her at this point would constitute what her lawyers termed 'pre-trial punishment'.
The defence further told the court that most portions of the family residence had already been sealed by police on 13 May, leaving, in their words, 'no possibility' of evidence destruction or manipulation. Police officials and, later, CBI officers had reportedly entered the premises freely and seized mobile phones, electronic devices, passports, and documents without any resistance from the family.
CCTV Footage and Post-Mortem Allegations Contested
Addressing allegations over the leak of CCTV footage to media organisations, the defence maintained that the DVR had already been seized by police and remained in official custody, making any interference by Giribala Singh impossible. On the question of alleged manipulation of the first post-mortem conducted at AIIMS Bhopal, the defence lawyer stated there was no evidence linking her to any interference in the medical examination process.
Abortion Pills and Psychiatric Treatment
Responding to allegations concerning abortion pills, the defence stated that Twisha Sharma had independently taken the medication following medical counselling from doctors. The reply also claimed that Twisha had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for anxiety — a detail the defence appeared to present as contextual background to her mental state.
Suicide Angle Not Ruled Out, Defence Argues
Giribala's legal team argued that the possibility of suicide had not been conclusively ruled out, citing post-mortem observations that reportedly mention ante-mortem hanging, as well as CCTV footage already in police possession. This line of argument is significant given that the case hinges on whether Twisha Sharma's death on 12 May was the result of foul play or other circumstances.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court is currently hearing petitions that challenge an anticipatory bail order previously granted to Giribala Singh by a Bhopal district court, following an FIR registered in connection with Twisha Sharma's death. With the CBI now handling the investigation, the court's next ruling on the bail question is expected to carry considerable legal weight.