Twisha Sharma case: CBI takes over probe, Samarth Singh's deleted chats, pregnancy dispute and dowry allegations under scanner
Twisha Sharma Death Case: The investigation into the death of model-actor Twisha Sharma has entered a crucial phase after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally took over the case and began a fresh probe into the circumstances surrounding her death at her matrimonial home in Bhopal.
A CBI team from Delhi’s Special Crime Unit arrived in Bhopal on Monday and collected the case diary, witness statements, medical records, forensic material and digital evidence gathered so far by the Bhopal Police. The agency re-registered the FIR originally lodged by the local police and named Twisha’s husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh, a retired district judge, in the case linked to allegations of dowry harassment and dowry death.
The development comes a day after the Supreme Court called for a free, fair and independent investigation into the 33-year-old actor’s death on May 12.
With the probe now under central investigation, attention has shifted to the statements made by Samarth Singh during nearly 10 hours of interrogation conducted over three days while he remained in police custody.
According to investigators, Samarth admitted that his marriage with Twisha had become strained in recent months, though he denied allegations of physical assault or domestic violence. He reportedly told the police that frequent arguments had become common after March and tensions escalated further following the wedding of Twisha’s brother.
Investigators questioned him extensively about the evolution of the relationship, from their first meeting and courtship to the changes that emerged within months of marriage. The police also sought details about Twisha’s visits to her parental home and whether those visits followed domestic disputes.
Samarth maintained that the marriage remained “normal” during the initial months and claimed the relationship deteriorated after Twisha learned about her pregnancy in April.
One of the most sensitive aspects of the investigation revolves around Twisha’s pregnancy and subsequent abortion.
During questioning, Samarth told the police that he wished to become a father, but alleged that Twisha did not want to continue the pregnancy. He claimed the abortion was conducted on her insistence and after medical consultation, adding that both of them had visited the doctor together and obtained prescribed medication legally.
However, investigators are now examining medical documents and treatment records to verify his claims.
The issue gained further significance after investigators reportedly recovered WhatsApp messages suggesting that Samarth had raised doubts over the paternity of the unborn child. The chats are being seen as potentially contradictory to his statement that both he and his mother wanted the baby.
According to police sources, Twisha’s family has alleged that her mental and emotional distress intensified after disputes linked to the pregnancy surfaced. Family members have also claimed that she lost nearly 15 kg during this period.
Another major area being examined is Samarth’s claim regarding Twisha’s mental health.
During interrogation, he alleged that Twisha suffered from Bipolar Disorder and later developed what doctors described as an “adjustment disorder”. He claimed her behaviour changed abruptly after pregnancy and said she experienced emotional instability and stress.
Samarth further stated that sleeping pills and psychiatric medication were administered strictly on medical advice to reduce anxiety and help her cope emotionally.
Investigators are now trying to determine when the psychiatric treatment actually began, whether Twisha’s family had been informed, and if proper consent procedures were followed. The CBI is also expected to verify whether the treatment was medically justified or misused.
Investigators are also focusing on alleged tampering of digital evidence.
Police sources said Samarth deleted several chat conversations from his mobile phone, including exchanges with Twisha and her family members. Technical experts are now attempting to recover the deleted data, which investigators believe could become crucial to establishing the nature of the relationship.
The chats are particularly important because Twisha had allegedly complained to her family that she was forced to quit her job and was not allowed to continue working online.
Samarth denied the allegation and told investigators that Twisha left her job voluntarily after marriage because the couple preferred spending more time together.
Recounting the events leading to Twisha’s death on May 12, Samarth told investigators that the day appeared completely normal. According to his statement, the couple went to the gym together, had meals, took a walk inside the residential society and later watched television at home.
He claimed he eventually fell asleep while Twisha went downstairs to speak with her family on the phone.
Later that night, he alleged, his mother Giribala Singh woke him after receiving a call from Twisha’s mother, who was concerned because her daughter was not answering her phone. Samarth claimed they then searched the house and found Twisha hanging on the terrace.
According to his statement, they brought her down immediately, attempted CPR and rushed her to AIIMS Bhopal, where doctors declared her dead.
The CBI is also examining Samarth’s conduct after the incident. After Twisha’s death, he allegedly remained absconding for nearly 10 days before being arrested from Jabalpur. During questioning, he admitted that he deliberately avoided using his mobile phone to prevent the police from tracing him.
Investigators are now trying to identify individuals who may have sheltered or assisted him during the period he remained underground.
Twisha’s family has accused Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh of dowry harassment, physical assault, mental cruelty and destruction of evidence, while the accused family continues to maintain that Twisha was emotionally unstable and that they had no role in her death.
- With inputs from agencies
