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Model's death in Bhopal triggers widespread protests and scrutiny
Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model and actor, died on 12 May in Bhopal under disputed circumstances, igniting a national debate over dowry-related violence and judicial accountability in India. Her family alleges she was murdered by her husband and mother-in-law after enduring months of harassment over dowry demands, while the accused claim she died by suicide.
Family accuses in-laws of torture and murder
Sharma's parents and siblings allege that she was subjected to physical and emotional abuse by her husband, lawyer Samarth Singh, and his mother, retired judge Giribala Singh. The family claims the harassment escalated after Sharma's marriage to Singh in December 2025, despite dowry payments being made-a practice illegal but still prevalent in India.
Tensions reportedly peaked in April when Sharma became pregnant. Her family alleges that Singh and his mother accused her of infidelity and forced her to undergo an abortion in early May. Giribala Singh denies these claims, stating that Sharma herself requested the abortion, citing her reluctance to have children.
Police investigation and conflicting narratives
Bhopal police have registered a dowry death case against the Singhs and are investigating whether Sharma's death was a homicide or suicide. Samarth Singh remains at large, with authorities offering a cash reward for information leading to his arrest and issuing a lookout notice to prevent him from leaving the country. Giribala Singh, meanwhile, has been granted anticipatory bail by a Bhopal court, though her son's bail application was rejected, with a surrender deadline set for 23 May.
Giribala Singh has publicly denied the allegations, calling them "baseless" and suggesting Sharma had mental health struggles. In media interviews, she described Sharma as "liberal," a term she later equated with "promiscuity," sparking further outrage. She also claimed her son was advised to stay in hiding due to threats of violence, including calls for his execution.
"Our lawyer advised him to stay away. He told him you'll be lynched if you came out. There's a tirade against him, people are calling for his hanging."
Giribala Singh, retired judge and accused
Disputed autopsy and delayed police response
The first post-mortem report, reviewed by the BBC, concluded that Sharma died by hanging but noted injuries consistent with prior abuse. Her family has refused to cremate her body, demanding a second autopsy, though a court denied their request. Authorities have been ordered to preserve the body to prevent decomposition.
Sharma's father, Navnidhi Sharma, questioned why the Singhs did not immediately report her death to the police, suggesting their delay was suspicious. Giribala Singh countered that they prioritized rushing Sharma to the hospital. The family has also criticized the police investigation, alleging lapses and undue influence by powerful figures.
Bhopal's police commissioner, Sanjay Kumar, acknowledged procedural errors but ruled out murder, stating, "Based on the post-mortem report and our investigation so far, this is a case of suicide." Sharma's family rejected this conclusion, insisting she was killed and vowing to continue their fight for justice.
National outrage and political intervention
The case has dominated headlines due to Sharma's public profile and the Singhs' social standing. As a former beauty queen (Miss Pune 2012) and actor, Sharma had worked in advertising campaigns and a Telugu-language film before transitioning to marketing. Friends and family describe her as ambitious, generous, and happy.
Public anger has been fueled by Giribala Singh's status as a retired judge, with many arguing that members of the judiciary should uphold higher ethical standards. Her media appearances and comments about Sharma's character have drawn sharp criticism, with calls for her bail to be revoked.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Wednesday that the case would be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India's federal police agency, assuring Sharma's family of the government's full cooperation. The decision followed mounting pressure from activists and the public, who have rallied under the slogan "Justice for Twisha Sharma" on social media.
Family vows to continue fight for justice
In their last conversation with Sharma, her parents said she called them on WhatsApp at 21:41 local time (16:11 GMT) on 12 May. The call abruptly disconnected, and subsequent attempts to reach her went unanswered. Giribala Singh later informed them of Sharma's death.
"My daughter was wronged in her lifetime, and now every effort is being made to ensure that she does not get justice even after her death. We will not rest until we get her justice."
Navnidhi Sharma, Twisha Sharma's father
The case has reignited discussions about dowry-related violence in India, where thousands of women are killed annually for failing to meet marital family demands. Despite legal prohibitions, the practice persists, often with impunity. Sharma's death has become a symbol of the broader struggle for women's rights and judicial accountability in the country.
