CJI Surya Kant says Twisha Sharma case will reach ‘logical conclusion’, orders fair and independent probe | Today’s news

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, took up the Twisha Sharma death case, ordering a fair, independent and impartial investigation, while calling on the family of both the victim and the accused to stop making public statements and instead submit their accounts to the investigators.

The Supreme Court is looking into Twisha Sharma’s death case

The Supreme Court of India entered the Twisha Sharma death case on Monday, May 25, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant making scathing remarks about the integrity of the investigation and the conduct of all parties involved.

Twisha Sharma (33), a former Miss Pune originally from Noida, was found hanging at her in-laws’ residence in Bhopal’s Katara Hills on the night of May 12. Her family accused her husband and mother-in-law of dowry harassment and inciting suicide. The in-laws denied the allegations, instead claiming that Twisha struggled with drug addiction.

Read also | ‘Twisha Sharma’s behavior changed after…’: Husband told police – report

The case has drawn intense national attention, largely because of who the accused are. Twisha’s mother-in-law Giribala Singh is a retired district judge and her husband Samarth Singh is a practicing lawyer.

CJI Surya Kant: “Whoever investigates will find the truth”

Speaking directly from the bench on the case, Chief Justice Surya Kant made it clear that the court has full faith in the investigative process while acknowledging the controversy surrounding it.

“The mother-in-law is a formal district judge and it is unfortunate that it is being said that the judiciary is not allowing a fair trial. We have no doubt that the victims and the accused will cooperate in the investigation. We have no doubt in our state agencies and the CBI that whoever will investigate will surely take the investigation to its logical conclusion and find the truth,” LiveLaw quoted the CJI as saying.

He stressed that the investigation must take place without interference and influence.

Read also | ‘Twisha Sharma’s behavior changed after…’: Husband told police – report

“However the unfortunate incident happened, it must be investigated fairly, independently and impartially. There were doubts that both sides are also going to the media,” the CJI added.

SC urges family, accused to stay out of public arena

“It is our request that you make whatever statement you want to make before the body which is the investigating agency. There is nothing we can do but request the media not to go after the tape of the statement of the victims’ family or reduce their pain to sound bytes,” the CJI said, as quoted by LiveLaw.

The court’s formal order went further and imposed specific obligations on everyone connected to the case.

“We would like to advise the family members of both the victim and the accused to get their versions recorded before the investigating authority instead of making a statement in public or in front of the media platform so that there is no prejudice or adverse impact on the ongoing investigation,” the order said.

Read also | Twish Sharma death case: SC takes suo motu cognizance, hearing on Monday

The Senate of the Supreme Court extended its demand to the general public as well.

“We also request the media to refrain from recording the statements of persons who may be potential witnesses as it may unnecessarily influence the outcome of some matters to be investigated. We also request the public to refrain from speculation and have faith and trust in one of the leading investigative agencies. We are confident that it will bring the investigation to a conclusion in due course,” the order said.

The Supreme Court was careful to clarify the limits of its own observations.

“During these observations, it is clarified that we have not expressed any position on any of the allegations or otherwise and it is entirely for the investigating agency to look into the various aspects,” it said.

The CBI will take over the investigation

The Supreme Court also noted that Solicitor General Mehta had given an assurance regarding the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The court order noted, “SG Mehta has assured us that he will take up the matter with the authorities to ensure that the CBI takes over the investigation immediately.”

Read also | Twish case: Husband sent to police custody; The AIIMS Delhi team will fly to Bhopal

The Madhya Pradesh government had already separately recommended a CBI probe into the matter ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, a decision that reflects the extent of public and political scrutiny of the case.

Police question Retired Magistrate Giribala Singh and son Samarth Singh

At the scene in Bhopal, police began detailed interrogation of Giribal Singh and her son Samarth Singh in connection with Twisha’s death.

Samarth Singh, who was arrested on Friday (May 22) in Jabalpur after being on the run for ten days, was sent to a seven-day police remand by a Bhopal court on Saturday. He is currently in custody and under active interrogation. According to sources, he told investigators that relations with Twisha soured after she became pregnant.

Giribala Singh, who has secured anticipatory bail, is being questioned separately, with investigators cross-checking the mother and son’s accounts.

“We have questioned Giribala Singh. The process is taking a long time. Her son Samarth Singh, who is in police custody, is also being questioned. The information given by one accused is being verified with the other,” a senior police officer told PTI requesting anonymity.

Read also | Twisha Sharma death case: Madhya Pradesh government gives consent to CBI probe

Police have registered a First Information Report against Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh on charges of dowry harassment.

The investigating officer has added an update on the current status of the investigation.

“So far it appears to be a suicide, but the investigation is ongoing. It would be premature to draw any conclusions at this stage,” the official said.

AIIMS Delhi is conducting a second autopsy

Adding another layer of complexity to the case, a team of forensic experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi conducted a second autopsy on Twisha Sharma in Bhopal on Sunday as directed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The High Court ordered a second examination after Twisa’s parents raised serious concerns about procedural errors by local authorities in carrying out the first post-mortem.

Read also | Twish Sharma’s husband withdraws his bail application leaving him with no option but to surrender

Head of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, Dr. Sudhir Gupta, told PTI that it will take some time to compile the entire report as laboratory tests including histopathology and visceral examination are still required.

The AIIMS team also visited Twisha’s residence and the site of the incident on Sunday to conduct an on-the-spot assessment. Dr. Gupta confirmed that the team will return to Delhi on Monday with samples, photographs, videos and written findings.

After the second post-mortem, Twisha Sharma’s mortal remains were cremated at Bhadbhada Vishram Ghat in Bhopal on Sunday evening.