A retired judge has been arrested in India in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law, a case that has reignited a national debate over the persistent practice of dowry payments. Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model and actor, was found dead on 12 May in her matrimonial home in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, less than six months after her wedding.
Allegations of Torture and Dowry Demands
Sharma's family has accused her husband, lawyer Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, of torturing and killing her over dowry demands. The Singh family has strongly denied the allegations. The case has received huge media attention in India, bringing renewed focus to the practice of dowry, which was outlawed in 1961 but remains routine in many parts of the country, with grooms' families often demanding expensive gifts, money, or valuables from the bride's family.
National Statistics and Legal Proceedings
India recorded 5,737 deaths related to unpaid or insufficient dowry payments in 2024, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. A district court in Bhopal on Friday remanded both Singh and her son to five days' custody until 2 June. The case is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over from the Bhopal police earlier this week. Gyandendra Sharma, a lawyer representing the Singhs, said the 'agency wants to question both the accused and complete its investigation.'
Arrests and Custody
Giribala Singh was arrested on Thursday after hours of questioning by the CBI in connection with a dowry case filed against her family. She was earlier granted bail by a trial court, but that order was revoked by the Madhya Pradesh high court, which found the lower court had overlooked crucial evidence and witness statements. Sharma's husband was arrested from Jabalpur city in Madhya Pradesh on Friday and also remanded to CBI custody until 2 June.
Investigation and Autopsy Findings
The investigation took a turn after Sharma's family in Uttar Pradesh alleged foul play and requested a second autopsy, which was conducted in New Delhi. An initial autopsy in Bhopal found the cause of death to be 'asphyxia due to antemortem hanging by ligature.' She was cremated following the second autopsy.
Family Claims and Defense
Sharma's family has claimed that she began receiving harassment regarding dowry payment soon after her marriage. 'She was being tortured continuously,' her father Navnidhi Sharma alleged in remarks to broadcaster NDTV. Sharma's parents also claimed that their daughter was forced to terminate a pregnancy by her in-laws. The Singhs have claimed that Sharma had mental health issues and took her own life.
Readers in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For readers in the UK, the national domestic abuse helpline offers support on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men's advice line on 0808 8010 327. Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org.
