Husband and Mother-in-Law Charged in Indian Model's Death

Federal investigators in India have formally charged the husband and mother-in-law of a former model and actor, Twisha Sharma, in connection with her death five months after her wedding. Sharma was found dead in her Bhopal home on May 12, sparking intense media attention and conflicting claims of murder versus suicide.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed charges of “abetment to suicide” and “cruelty” against her husband, Samarth Singh, a lawyer, and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, a retired judge. Both have denied the allegations.

Sharma’s family alleges that she was subjected to torture over dowry demands and was ultimately murdered. They claim that her husband and mother-in-law were responsible for her death due to continuous mental cruelty, leaving her with “no option but to end her life,” according to the CBI’s chargesheet.

Conversely, Giribala Singh has asserted that the accusations are “baseless” and claims Twisha suffered from mental health issues, leading her to take her own life. Sharma’s family lawyer indicated that the “abetment to suicide” charges suggest the investigation views the death as an alleged suicide, though the CBI is seeking permission for further investigation should new evidence emerge.

Twisha Sharma, who was crowned Miss Pune in 2012, had a career as a model, actor, and marketing professional. She met her husband, Samarth Singh, via a dating app, and they married in December. The CBI’s investigation suggests that after their marriage, Samarth subjected Twisha to cruelty, with his mother allegedly instigating such behavior.

A significant point of contention arose in April when Sharma became pregnant. Her family claims her husband and mother-in-law questioned her character and forced her to undergo an abortion, which Giribala Singh denied, stating Twisha wanted the abortion herself. Giribala Singh faced backlash for public comments about her daughter-in-law’s mental health and character following her death.

Samarth Singh surrendered to the police, and Giribala Singh was arrested shortly after. Both remain in custody.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/364981/husband-and-mother-in-law-charged-over-indian-brides-death