The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected the regular bail application of former judicial officer Giribala Singh in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law, Twisha Sharma, observing that important forensic and digital examination reports are still awaited.
Justice Ajay Kumar Nirankari passed the order on October 26, 2026, in MCC No. 37723 of 2026. The court considered the seriousness of the allegations, the evidence collected during the investigation and the need for further examination of crucial forensic material.
Background of the Case
Twisha Sharma, 33, was found dead at her matrimonial residence in Bhopal's Katara Hills area on May 12, 2026. Allegations of domestic cruelty and dowry-related harassment were raised against her husband, Samarth Singh, and mother-in-law, Giribala Singh.
Following a complaint by Twisha's family, a criminal case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Dowry Prohibition Act. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Forensic Reports Under Examination
A significant aspect of the High Court's decision was the pending examination of electronic and forensic evidence.
The court noted that forensic extraction and analysis of data from Twisha's mobile phone were still awaited. The examination is expected to provide additional information relevant to the investigation.
Further, data extracted from the digital video recorder (DVR) installed at Giribala Singh's residence had been forwarded to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), New Delhi. The laboratory has been tasked with examining the continuity and authenticity of the CCTV recordings and determining whether any alteration or tampering occurred.
The court also considered the findings of two post-mortem examinations, including a subsequent examination conducted by a medical board comprising doctors from AIIMS, New Delhi. Both examinations attributed the cause of death to asphyxia resulting from antemortem hanging. The second examination identified the ligature material as a gymnastic belt with a ring.
WhatsApp Conversations and Other Evidence
The prosecution also relied on WhatsApp conversations between Twisha and her family members, along with other material collected during the investigation, to support allegations of harassment and mental cruelty.
The defence opposed the allegations and sought bail for Giribala Singh. However, the High Court declined to grant relief at this stage, taking into account the circumstances of the case and the pending investigation.
Forensic Significance
The case highlights the importance of digital forensic examination in investigations involving suspicious deaths. Mobile phone extraction, CCTV authentication and timeline reconstruction can provide investigators with important information about events preceding an incident.
In particular, forensic verification of DVR recordings is essential to establish whether video footage is continuous, authentic and free from unauthorised alteration. Similarly, mobile device analysis may help recover relevant communications and other digital information.
The High Court's decision underscores the importance of completing forensic examinations before drawing conclusions from electronic evidence.
The rejection of bail does not establish the guilt of the accused. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
Case Reference: Giribala Singh v. State of Madhya Pradesh, MCC No. 37723 of 2026.