Twisha Sharma case: Family seeks second autopsy at AIIMS Delhi, alleges interference
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Twisha Sharma's family on Tuesday, 19 May filed an urgent application before a district court in Bhopal seeking permission for a second post-mortem at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, alleging lapses and possible interference in the first autopsy conducted at AIIMS Bhopal. The application was moved before Judge Anudita Gupta, with the court expected to decide on the matter on Wednesday.
What the Family Has Alleged
The application demanded that AIIMS Bhopal be directed to transfer Twisha's body to AIIMS New Delhi for a fresh examination. The family also sought immediate directions to local administration, investigating authorities, and all concerned agencies for the 'scientific preservation, protection and safeguarding of mortal remains and forensic evidence' in the interest of a fair and transparent investigation.
Citing the first post-mortem report, the family pointed to multiple injuries on various parts of the body. They noted that the ligature material was 'neither present nor submitted by the investigating officer for examination,' and flagged a double ligature mark running parallel in the form of a pattern, reddish pressure abrasion — details they say warrant independent scrutiny.
Allegations of Influence During First Autopsy
The family alleged that during the post-mortem at AIIMS Bhopal, Twisha's mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, was accompanied by her sister, Dr Rajbala Singh Bhadoria, a medical doctor at Bansal Hospital in Bhopal, as well as another relative, Dr Yashveer J.K., described as a well-known doctor in the city.
According to the application, 'their presence at the hospital was solely to intimidate the medical staff and influence the outcome of the post-mortem examination to conceal the true nature of the crime.' The family has also demanded verification of CCTV footage from AIIMS Bhopal.
Brother Questions Police Response
Twisha's brother, Major Harshit Sharma, addressed the press on Tuesday and alleged undue influence in the case. 'The first call made to the police was by us, not by them. They claimed they were in a hurry trying to save her, but the video that has resurfaced clearly shows Giribala Singh moving around very calmly, walking up and down the stairs as if she had all the time in the world,' he said.
He further alleged that Giribala Singh, despite her judicial background and full knowledge of legal processes, had every opportunity to contact the police station, which was reportedly just 30 seconds away from her home.
Background: The Case So Far
Twisha Sharma, a 31-year-old former model, was found hanging at her in-laws' house in Bhopal on 12 May, barely five months after marrying advocate Samarth Singh. Her husband has been absconding since the day of her death.
Bhopal Police have issued a lookout notice against Samarth Singh and initiated proceedings to revoke his passport, amid suspicion that he may attempt to flee the country. Multiple teams have been deployed to trace him within Madhya Pradesh and in other states.
What Happens Next
The district court is expected to rule on the second post-mortem application on Wednesday. The family's demands — including CCTV verification and independent forensic examination — will test whether the investigation can withstand scrutiny given the serious allegations of interference now on record.