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Retired judge detained by federal investigators
Bhopal, 29 May 2026 - India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested retired judge Giribala Singh on Thursday after a marathon interrogation session, escalating a high-profile dowry death probe that has gripped the nation.
Background: a five-month marriage ends in tragedy
Twisha Sharma, 33, a former beauty pageant winner and actor, was discovered dead inside her marital home in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on 12 May. She had married lawyer Samarth Singh only five months earlier. Her family immediately alleged that dowry-related torture led to her murder, accusations both Singh and his mother vehemently deny.
Allegations of abuse and forced abortion
Sharma's parents and siblings claim the harassment began shortly after the wedding. They state that when Sharma became pregnant, her husband and mother-in-law accused her of infidelity and pressured her into terminating the pregnancy. The family further alleges that the couple demanded additional dowry payments throughout the brief marriage.
The Singhs counter that Sharma suffered from mental health challenges and took her own life. They insist the decision to end the pregnancy was hers alone.
Legal twists and federal takeover
Local police initially registered a dowry death case against the Singhs. On 22 May, Samarth Singh was arrested in Jabalpur after reportedly evading authorities. The Madhya Pradesh High Court later revoked Giribala Singh's anticipatory bail, ruling that the trial court had overlooked critical evidence and witness statements. The CBI assumed control of the investigation earlier this week.
National outrage over dowry deaths
Sharma's death has reignited public anger over dowry-related violence, a practice outlawed in 1961 yet still claiming thousands of lives annually. The case has drawn heightened scrutiny due to the family's prominence: Sharma was a well-known model and actor, while her husband and mother-in-law were both legal professionals.
"This tragedy underscores how deeply entrenched the dowry system remains, even among educated, affluent families," said a women's rights activist who requested anonymity.
Autopsy dispute and cremation
Sharma's family contested the initial post-mortem report, alleging flaws and accusing local police of a cover-up. Authorities denied the allegations. A second autopsy was conducted, and Sharma was cremated on 18 May.
What's next
Samarth Singh remains in police custody. The CBI is expected to file formal charges against both mother and son within days, with court proceedings likely to begin in early June.
