In brief
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has laid criminal charges against the husband and mother‑in‑law of model Twisha Sharma following her mysterious death in Bhopal in May 2025. The accusations—concerning abetment to suicide and cruelty—stem from allegations of mental abuse, dowry demands and a forced abortion which the accused deny. Both men are now confined while a 600‑page chargesheet points to repeated psychological torment as the proximate cause. The case highlights gendered violence within joint families and raises critical questions about the judiciary’s role in protecting women's rights.
India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a 600‑page chargesheet against the husband and mother‑in‑law of 33‑year‑old model Twisha Sharma, who was found dead in Bhopal in May 2025.
Twisha’s death has sparked a public outcry over alleged mental cruelty and dowry demands, leading to charges of abetment to suicide and cruelty. Samarth Singh, a lawyer, and his mother, retired judge Giribala Singh, deny the accusations.
According to Twisha’s family, the couple forced the model to undergo an abortion after she became pregnant, and called her tests of chastity harsh. The accused maintain that Twisha suffered mental health issues that led to her self‑harm.
This 600‑page report cites repeated insults, emotional torment and pressure to commit suicide as the proximate cause. Both men remain in custody, and the CBI indicates it may file a supplementary chargesheet if new evidence surfaces.
Warning: This article contains details that may be distressing.
Read more: BBC News coverage
