Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model, has tragically been found dead in her home in Bhopal, India, on May 12, just months after her wedding. Her untimely death has led to serious allegations against her husband, Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, who are both facing charges linked to the incident.
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Sharma and Singh were married in December 2022 after connecting on a dating app. However, her family claims that following the marriage, Twisha endured significant emotional and psychological distress at the hands of her husband and mother-in-law. As reported by The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), both have been charged with abetment to suicide and cruelty towards Sharma.
The investigation has revealed troubling details about the dynamics within the household. According to a document reviewed by the BBC, Samarth Singh, who works as a lawyer, allegedly subjected Sharma to mental cruelty and frequently belittled her. It has been suggested that Giribala Singh, a retired judge, also played a role in instigating this behaviour, leading to what the CBI described as a relentless environment of mental torment for Twisha.
As a result of this ongoing distress, the investigation concludes that she felt compelled to take her own life. Both Samarth and Giribala have denied any wrongdoing and are currently held in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. Giribala has suggested that her daughter-in-law struggled with drug addiction, a claim that has been met with skepticism by Twisha’s family.
Twisha’s relatives allege that the couple was involved in a campaign of intimidation and control, linked to demands for dowry. Reports indicate that tensions escalated when Twisha became pregnant in April, with accusations of infidelity directed at her by Samarth and Giribala. It has been alleged that the couple coerced Twisha into undergoing an abortion in May, a claim that is vehemently denied by her mother-in-law, who insists that Twisha agreed to the procedure.
Following the discovery of Twisha’s body, her family requested a second autopsy due to suspicions of foul play. Although the initial autopsy concluded that her death was a result of suicide with no signs of physical struggle or assault, the family remains unconvinced, prompting calls for a more in-depth examination of the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Twisha Sharma was no stranger to the public eye; she was crowned Miss Pune in 2012 and made appearances in Indian Telugu-language cinema. Her achievements as a model and beauty queen make her death even more poignant, highlighting the darker realities of domestic issues faced by many individuals in India.
Despite the prohibition of dowry practices in India, the tradition persists in various forms, leading to significant challenges for many women. In 2024, India recorded over 5,700 deaths attributed to dowry-related circumstances, underscoring the urgency for societal change and greater protection for those affected by domestic violence.
As this tragic incident continues to unfold, it raises critical questions about the treatment of women in relationships, expectations surrounding marriage, and the persistent issue of dowry. The case of Twisha Sharma serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in addressing domestic violence and supporting the rights of women across the country.
For those experiencing similar situations, support is available through various resources. The National Domestic Violence Hotline operates 24/7, providing confidential assistance and guidance to those in need.