Twisha Sharma death case heads for CBI probe amid allegations of institutional bias

The Supreme Court of India on Monday was informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to formally take over the investigation into the death of actor-model Twisha Sharma within a day.

The development came during a hearing before a bench led by Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi. The Madhya Pradesh government informed the court that it had already written to the Centre recommending a CBI investigation into the case.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the Department of Personnel and Training notification required for the CBI to officially take over the case was expected to be issued during the day. “The investigation has to be conducted fairly and dispassionately all through,” the bench observed while hearing the matter.

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Supreme Court flags concerns over public narrative

The top court also expressed concern over allegations circulating publicly that the judiciary was influencing the probe because Twisha Sharma’s husband is a lawyer and her mother-in-law is a former judicial officer.

“We are against the narrative that is being created. That is why CBI should take over,” the bench remarked during the hearing. The Supreme Court clarified that while it had “no doubt” regarding the fairness of the state police, an independent agency handling the investigation would inspire greater public confidence in the outcome of the case.

The matter is currently being heard suo motu under the title: “In Re: Alleged institutional bias and procedural discrepancies in the unnatural death of a young girl at her matrimonial home.”

According to the court order, media reports and surrounding circumstances had raised concerns regarding alleged institutional bias because Twisha Sharma’s husband was a practising lawyer and her mother-in-law a former district judge.

Court asks media and families to avoid influencing probe

The Supreme Court urged both sides to avoid making public statements and requested the media not to broadcast comments from potential witnesses during the investigation.

“We would like to impress upon family of victim that instead of making statements in public or before media, they should get their versions recorded before the investigating agency,” the court said in its order. The bench added that public speculation and “sound bites” could negatively affect the fairness of the ongoing investigation.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Twisha Sharma’s family, argued that the case involved concerns over institutional bias and alleged delays in registering the FIR and preserving evidence. Responding to the concerns, the bench assured the family that the investigation would remain impartial.

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Second autopsy already conducted

The Supreme Court also noted that a second autopsy had already been conducted in Bhopal by a medical team from AIIMS Delhi following directions issued earlier by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. According to the court, the only remaining issue now relates to the formal consent process for the CBI takeover recommendation.

Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area on May 12, barely five months after marrying advocate Samarth Singh. Her family has alleged dowry harassment, mental and physical torture and murder — allegations denied by the accused side, which has maintained that she died by suicide.

The case has drawn nationwide attention amid allegations of procedural lapses, delayed FIR registration, missing forensic evidence and possible influence over the investigation