Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal
Bhopal, May 28: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Giribala Singh, the mother-in-law of Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly found hanging at her matrimonial home earlier this month, in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal.
The arrest came a day after the Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled Giribala Singh’s anticipatory bail and set aside the relief granted to her on May 15 by the 10th Additional Sessions Judge in Bhopal.
Speaking on the development, Madhya Pradesh Advocate General Prashant Singh said the High Court had taken serious note of several aspects of the case, including seven ante-mortem injuries found on Twisha Sharma’s body, which indicated a possible serious crime.
He further stated that the court also noted Giribala Singh’s alleged non-cooperation with the investigation despite repeated notices and WhatsApp chats that allegedly pointed towards mental harassment of the victim.
“The High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail of Giribala Singh. Now, it is up to the CBI to decide whether custodial interrogation is required,” he said.
During the hearing, lawyers representing Twisha Sharma’s family alleged that the victim had been subjected to mental harassment and was “badly stuck” in her matrimonial home.
The High Court observed that statements recorded from Twisha’s parents and relatives consistently alleged harassment by both her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh from the initial stage of the investigation.
The court also took serious note of allegations that Giribala Singh, a retired judicial officer trained in cyber crime, cyber forensics and crime scene management, may have used her expertise to tamper with evidence and influence the investigation.
Last week, Samarth Singh, Twisha Sharma’s husband and son of Giribala Singh, surrendered before a court after reportedly remaining absconding for 10 days.
Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh are facing charges related to dowry harassment.
The CBI formally took over the investigation into Twisha Sharma’s death on Monday and re-registered the FIR earlier filed by the state police against both accused.
According to the CBI FIR, Giribala Singh had allegedly demanded Rs 2 lakh from Twisha Sharma’s family during the vidai ceremony, which was reportedly paid by the victim’s family on her insistence.