Husband and Mother‑in‑Law Charged Over Indian Bride’s Death
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has brought formal charges against Samarth Singh, a lawyer, and Giribala Singh, a retired judge, in the case of 33‑year‑old model Twisha Sharma. Authorities allege that the couple subjected Twisha to repeated mental cruelty and forced her into an abortion, culminating in her death on 12 May 2025 in Bhopal.
The chargesheet cites “abetment to suicide” and “cruelty” as the main accusations. Despite these serious allegations, both parties insist they are innocent, declaring that Twisha had suffered from mental health issues and that she was a self‑terminator.
Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing.
Investigations reveal that Twisha’s parents and siblings claim the husband and his mother beat her for dowry demands, committing a murder. In contrast, Giribala called the claims “baseless,” attributing Twisha’s death to mental health complications rather than a violent act.
Samarth surrendered to the police, while Giribala was detained a few days later. Both defendants remain in prison awaiting trial.
The CBI’s 600‑page filing explains that the abuse stemmed from repeated mental torture and derogatory remarks from both the husband and the mother‑in‑law. The murder‑suicide narrative is central to the prosecution’s case.
When questioned, Giribala’s lawyer, Inosh George Carlo, said the investigation has “found no evidence of dowry harassment” and that the family’s claims have been rebuffed. Meanwhile, Twisha’s family lawyer Ankur Pandey describes the case as an “alleged suicide” under section for abetment to suicide, admitting that further evidence could implicate more people in a supplementary chargesheet.
Giribala’s public remarks, particularly her description of Twisha’s “liberal” mental health and alleged promiscuity, triggered widespread outrage and harsh criticism from Twisha’s father who vowed to defend his daughter’s dignity.
Twisha, a former Miss Pune beauty pageant winner, had also worked in advertising, film, and marketing. She met Samarth through a dating app in February, married in December, and after the marriage, experienced ongoing psychological abuse, according to the chargesheet.
The alleged conflict peaked in April, when Twisha reportedly became pregnant. Allegations say the husband and his mother questioned her character and forced her into an abortion in early May. Giribala denied such accusations, claiming Twisha refused children.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the high profile of the defendants, a lawyer and a former judge, within India’s powerful judiciary, raising public debate over abuse, dowry, and the extent of agency in marital relationships.
