Bhopal: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested former judge Giribala Singh, mother-in-law of Twisha Sharma, in connection with the alleged dowry death case that has drawn significant public attention in Madhya Pradesh. The arrest came a day after the court quashed her anticipatory bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and circumstances surrounding the case.

Giribala Singh was taken into custody after a CBI team reached her residence in Bhopal’s Bag Mughaliya Extension area and conducted questioning following the court’s order. Officials were seen entering the premises as the agency intensified its probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly found hanging at her matrimonial home on May 12.

Court cancels anticipatory bail

The development follows a significant order passed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which allowed petitions seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail earlier granted to Giribala Singh.

Justice Devnarayan Mishra, in a detailed 17-page order, observed that the anticipatory bail granted by the sessions court deserved to be quashed considering the factual aspects of the case and the allegations levelled against the accused.

Earlier, on May 15, a sessions court had granted anticipatory bail to Giribala Singh, who, along with her son Samarth Singh, was facing allegations related to dowry harassment and cruelty.

Legal experts noted that the cancellation of anticipatory bail in such cases generally reflects the court’s view that custodial interrogation may be necessary for a fair investigation.

CBI intensifies investigation

The CBI formally took over the investigation earlier this week from the Madhya Pradesh Police after growing public attention and demands for an impartial probe.

The agency subsequently re-registered the FIR that had originally been filed against Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh by the state police authorities.

Samarth Singh, a practising lawyer and husband of the deceased, is already in CBI custody as investigators continue examining the circumstances leading to Twisha Sharma’s death.

According to sources, multiple angles are being investigated, including allegations of dowry harassment, mental cruelty and possible attempts to influence evidence after the incident.

Allegations made by Twisha Sharma’s family

During the court proceedings, counsels representing Twisha Sharma’s family argued that the deceased had allegedly been subjected to continuous mental harassment within her matrimonial home.

The petitioners claimed that she was “badly stuck” in the household environment and faced severe emotional distress prior to her death. The submissions formed a key part of the arguments seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Giribala Singh.

Family members have consistently demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, alleging that the case involved sustained harassment and intimidation.

CCTV footage controversy surfaces

One of the major points raised before the high court involved allegations concerning CCTV footage seized from the accused’s residence.

According to submissions made during the hearing, police officials had confiscated CCTV recordings from Giribala Singh’s house on May 13 as part of the investigation process. However, the petitioners alleged that selective clips from the footage were later circulated on social media platforms.

The family’s legal representatives claimed this was done with the intention of influencing public perception and potentially impacting the ongoing investigation.

The prosecution also argued that the lower court should have examined these allegations and surrounding evidence more carefully before granting anticipatory bail.

Case continues to attract public attention

The case has sparked widespread discussion across legal and social circles in Madhya Pradesh due to the involvement of a former judicial officer and the serious nature of the allegations.

Women’s rights groups and activists have also closely followed the developments, calling for a transparent and unbiased investigation into the matter.

Officials indicated that the CBI is expected to continue questioning several individuals connected to the case while analysing digital evidence, CCTV material and witness statements collected during the investigation.

Conclusion

With Giribala Singh now under arrest and Samarth Singh already in custody, the CBI probe into Twisha Sharma’s death has entered a crucial phase. Investigators are expected to further examine allegations of dowry harassment, mental cruelty and possible tampering with evidence as the agency continues its investigation into the high-profile case.