A high-profile dowry death case in India has triggered widespread media attention after the death of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma in the central city of Bhopal on 12 May.
While dowry-related deaths occur frequently across India and often receive limited coverage, this case has drawn intense public scrutiny due to the profile of those involved and the serious allegations being made.
Twisha Sharma, a model and actor who won the Miss Pune title in 2012, had been married for just five months to lawyer Samarth Singh when she was found dead at her marital home.
Her family has accused Singh and his mother, retired judge Giribala Singh, of harassment linked to dowry demands, alleging that she was tortured and murdered. The accused have strongly denied the claims, with Giribala Singh insisting that Twisha had mental health issues and died by suicide.
Police in Bhopal have registered a dowry death case and are investigating whether the incident amounts to suicide or murder. Officials say Samarth Singh is currently absconding, with a reward announced for information leading to his arrest and a lookout notice issued to prevent him from leaving the country.
A court has rejected Singh’s bail plea but granted anticipatory bail to his mother, who has been instructed to cooperate with investigators. She has said her son is in hiding on legal advice due to safety concerns and has denied knowledge of his whereabouts.
Twisha’s family has refused to proceed with cremation and has demanded a second post-mortem examination. The initial autopsy report indicated death by hanging but also noted signs of injuries prior to death. A court has declined the request for a second post-mortem but ordered that the body be preserved.
The case has become highly publicised, fuelled by allegations, counter-allegations, and extensive media coverage. Social media campaigns demanding justice have also emerged, further intensifying public interest.
According to Twisha’s family, tensions in the marriage began shortly after the wedding in December 2025, despite claims that dowry had already been provided. They allege that she was repeatedly harassed over unmet expectations. The accused have rejected these claims.
The family has also shared WhatsApp messages they say were sent by Twisha, in which she described feeling distressed and unsafe.
They further allege that during a pregnancy earlier this year, she was pressured into undergoing an abortion, while the accused claim it was her personal decision.
Twisha’s father said he last spoke to her on the night of her death, shortly before communication abruptly ended, after which he was allegedly informed by her in-laws that she had died.
The circumstances surrounding how and when authorities were informed have also been disputed, with both sides offering conflicting accounts.
The case has drawn criticism of public statements made by the accused, particularly remarks about Twisha’s personal life and mental health, which her family say are attempts to damage her reputation.
Police officials have acknowledged procedural lapses in the investigation but have stated that, based on current findings, they believe the case points toward suicide rather than murder. However, the inquiry remains ongoing.
In response to public concern, authorities have now referred the case to India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a fresh and more detailed probe.
Twisha’s family says they will continue to pursue justice, insisting that she was killed and that the truth has not yet been fully uncovered.
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