Supreme Court told CBI likely to take over Twisha Sharma death investigation within 24 hours

Supreme Court of India was informed on Monday that the Central Bureau of Investigation is expected to take over the probe into the death of 32-year-old actor-model Twisha Sharma within a day, amid concerns over alleged institutional bias and procedural lapses in the investigation.

A bench comprising Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi recorded the Madhya Pradesh government’s submission that it had already written to the Centre recommending a CBI inquiry.

Appearing for the state, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training was likely to be issued soon to formally transfer the investigation.

“The investigation has to be conducted fairly and dispassionately all through,” the bench observed while urging all parties to avoid making public statements and requesting the media not to broadcast comments from potential witnesses during the ongoing investigation.

The court said that while it had “no doubt” regarding the fairness of the state police, a probe by an independent agency would inspire greater public confidence. It also expressed concern over claims suggesting that the judiciary had influenced the investigation because Sharma’s husband is a lawyer and her mother-in-law is a former judicial officer.

“We are slightly pained at the developments… It is unfortunate that it is being said that the judiciary is derailing the trial,” the bench remarked.

The apex court initiated suo motu proceedings under the matter titled In Re: Alleged institutional bias and procedural discrepancies in the unnatural death of a young girl at her matrimonial home, based on media reports and surrounding circumstances.

During the hearing, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Sharma’s family, raised concerns about delays in registering the FIR and alleged failures in preserving evidence, warning that crucial evidence could be lost over time.

The court assured the family of an impartial investigation and said a fair process would be ensured once the CBI assumes control of the case.

Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home in Katara Hills on May 12, just five months after marrying advocate Samarth Singh. Her family has alleged dowry harassment, physical and mental abuse, and murder, while the accused side has denied the allegations and maintained that she died by suicide.

The case has drawn significant public attention amid questions over forensic evidence handling, CCTV footage, delays in filing the FIR and possible influence on the investigation. Earlier, the National Commission for Women had also taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought a report from authorities.