The mysterious death of Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model, actor, and former beauty pageant winner, has triggered nationwide outrage in India, reigniting debate over dowry-related abuse, women’s safety, and the influence of powerful families within the justice system.
Twisha was found dead on May 12 at her matrimonial home in Bhopal, just five months after marrying lawyer Samarth Singh. Her family has accused her husband and mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, of harassing and torturing her over dowry demands before allegedly murdering her. The Singh family has strongly denied the allegations, claiming Twisha suffered from mental health issues and died by suicide.
Police have registered a dowry death case and are investigating whether the death was murder or suicide. Authorities are currently searching for Samarth Singh, who remains missing after a court rejected his anticipatory bail plea and ordered him to surrender. A lookout notice and cash reward have reportedly been issued as the search intensifies.
The case has become one of the most widely discussed stories in India because of both Twisha’s public profile and the influential legal background of the family she married into. Social media campaigns demanding justice have rapidly spread online, while television debates and public reactions continue to intensify daily.
Twisha’s family alleges that tensions began shortly after the marriage and worsened when she became pregnant earlier this year. They claim she faced accusations regarding the pregnancy and was pressured into an abortion shortly before her death. The Singh family has rejected those allegations, insisting the decision was Twisha’s own.
Questions surrounding the investigation have added further controversy. Twisha’s relatives have refused to cremate her body and successfully sought a second post-mortem examination after the initial report stated death by hanging while also noting injuries sustained before death. The family has also raised concerns about alleged procedural lapses and possible influence over the investigation.
Public anger has particularly focused on remarks made by retired judge Giribala Singh during media interviews, where she discussed Twisha’s alleged mental health issues and made comments that critics described as insensitive and damaging to the deceased’s reputation. Those statements sparked backlash across social media, with many demanding stricter action against the accused.
Amid mounting pressure, Mohan Yadav announced that the investigation would now be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure an independent probe. Twisha’s family says they will continue fighting for justice and accountability, insisting their daughter’s death must not become another forgotten dowry case in India.