Retired Judge's Daughter-in-Law Found Dead; Husband Absconding, Cash Reward Announced

To counter the dowry allegations, the retired judge attached online transaction slips ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000, claiming they regularly provided for Twisha Sharma's needs,

BHOPAL: To counter the dowry allegations, the retired judge and mother-in-law attached online transaction slips ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000, claiming they regularly provided for Twisha Sharma's needs, as the suspicious death of 33-year-old model and actress continues to trigger a legal and investigative storm in Bhopal. A court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of her absconding husband, Samarth Singh on Monday. Following the court’s decision on Monday, Bhopal Police announced a cash reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to Samarth’s arrest. The court had earlier granted anticipatory bail to his mother, retired judge Giribala Singh, who is also an accused in the case. Also read: Twisha Sharma terminated pregnancy after consuming large quantity of marijuana: Ex-judge's another explosive claim

Twisha was found hanging at her marital home in Katara Hills on May 12, months after her marriage in December 2025. Her family has alleged dowry harassment and murder, charges denied by Giribala Singh, ex-judge. During the hearing, Samarth’s counsel opposed arrest by raising questions about Twisha’s mental health, a claim strongly contested by the family’s lawyer, who also warned of possible evidence tampering. After hearing arguments, Sessions Court Judge Pallavi Dwivedi rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of Samarth Singh.

Reacting to the order, Twisha’s father Navnidhi Sharma said: “Rejection of the anticipatory bail plea was not our victory. Our victory will be when both are punished,” adding that he feared influence could be used to secure relief in a higher court. Also read: 'Maa, mujhe yahan se le jao, please': Twisha Sharma’s messages to mother before death

He also called for the immediate arrest of both Samarth and Giribala Singh, alleging misuse of power and demanding a fair investigation. In a parallel development, portions of Samarth’s bail plea circulating on social media have sparked controversy, claiming Twisha suffered from psychiatric illness and drug dependency, describing her as a “psychiatric patient and drug addict whose hands and feet would tremble without access to narcotics.”

Twisha’s family has strongly rejected these claims, describing her as cheerful and active before marriage. Her cousin Meenakshi alleged that harassment intensified after Twisha lost her work-from-home job and became pregnant, while also claiming her husband refused to acknowledge the child. Police said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing allegations of dowry harassment and abetment. Misrod ACP Rajneesh Kashyap, who is heading the probe, said efforts are underway to trace the accused. “In the bail petition, allegations regarding Twisha being a drug addict have been mentioned, but we are strictly investigating the case according to the sections mentioned in the FIR,” he said.

Officials said a preliminary post-mortem at AIIMS Bhopal indicated hanging, though the family has pointed to injury marks on the body and demanded a fresh post-mortem at AIIMS Delhi. The investigation has also exposed procedural lapses, with police confirming that the rope allegedly used in the hanging was not sent for forensic examination. Authorities said action would be taken against the concerned investigating officer.

Giribala Singh has maintained that Twisha suffered from psychological illness and depression, calling her death a “nightmare” for the family. She alleged Twisha was pushed into the glamour world at a young age and remained under pressure thereafter. She also claimed the family had not visited Twisha in the last five months and were preventing her last rites, while expressing faith in the judiciary and ongoing probe.

Meanwhile, Twisha’s family has intensified its protest, demanding the arrest of both accused and calling for an independent investigation. The SIT continues to examine allegations of dowry harassment, physical assault, and possible destruction of evidence. Read More: 'A strange man': Father pushed Twisha Sharma into glamour world, weight-loss pills given in childhood, claims ex-judge