Born Guilty
On 12 May 2026, Twisha Sharma, 33, was found hanging in her matrimonial home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills. The FIR named her husband and mother-in-law on allegations of dowry harassment.
The post-mortem examination of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma, whose death in Bhopal triggered allegations of dowry harassment and mental torture, has concluded that she died due to “antemortem hanging by ligature” while also recording several injuries caused by blunt force on different parts of her body.
The findings have added another layer to a case that has already sparked sharp accusations between the two families, demands for an independent investigation, and an ongoing manhunt for the prime accused, Samarth Singh. Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), while Twisha’s family continues to push for a second post-mortem and court-monitored inquiry.
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According to the autopsy conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS Bhopal, Twisha was found hanging from a gymnastic ring rope on the terrace of her residence at around 10:26 pm on May 12. She was declared dead shortly after midnight on May 13.
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Doctors noted a double reddish patterned ligature mark around the upper portion of the neck. The skin beneath the mark was described as dry and parchment-like. The report also documented signs associated with asphyxia, including congestion on the face, bluish discoloration on the ears and fingernails, and petechial haemorrhages in the right eye.
What the Twisha Sharma autopsy report revealed
Apart from the neck injuries, the report recorded multiple simple antemortem injuries allegedly caused by blunt force. These included abrasions on the left side of the neck and bruises on the left upper arm, left forearm, right wrist and right ring finger.
A bruise measuring 2 cm x 2 cm was also found beneath the scalp in the left frontoparietal region during internal examination.
The report further mentioned two small bruised areas beneath the ligature mark tissues. Doctors also observed “Tardieu’s spots” in the lungs, a finding commonly linked to asphyxiation. Congestion was additionally noted in the brain, lungs and stomach lining.
Another significant observation in the report related to Twisha’s pregnancy history. Doctors noted that the uterus was enlarged and contained reddish-grey friable tissue suggestive of retained decidual tissue. The report mentioned a history of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) approximately a week before her death.
The medical board concluded that hanging was the cause of death, while the other injuries were simple antemortem injuries caused by blunt force.
Samples including blood, viscera, nail clippings and hair have been preserved and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for toxicology and DNA examination.
SIT continues search for accused Samarth Singh
Police said efforts are underway to trace Samarth Singh, who has been named as the prime accused in the case.
Speaking to ANI, Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajnish Kashyap Kaul said, “Regarding the lookout notice, necessary correspondence has been initiated with the DCP office, Bhopal Commissionerate, and the Regional Passport Office.”
“Our SIT team, along with local teams, is actively engaged. We are gathering intelligence through both technical means and human sources. The DCP has also announced a reward,” he added.
Police had earlier announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to Singh’s arrest.
The case also witnessed fresh allegations after Twisha’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, claimed that the deceased’s behaviour changed after learning about her pregnancy.
“On the 17th, the moment she received confirmation of her pregnancy, her entire demeanour changed; she declared that she did not want to keep this child,” Giribala Singh told ANI.
She further claimed that her son was emotionally affected following the termination of pregnancy and maintained that the allegations against the family were baseless.
However, Twisha’s father Navnidhi Sharma rejected the claims and accused Giribala Singh of attempting to malign his daughter publicly while being out on anticipatory bail.
“This woman is currently out on anticipatory bail, and she is violating the conditions of that bail. She is violating the law by coming before the media and, in this manner, publicly maligning the character of the deceased,” Sharma alleged.
He has also demanded a second post-mortem and an independent probe monitored by the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of India.
Twisha Sharma, originally from Noida, had married Bhopal resident Samarth Singh in December 2025. Her family has accused her in-laws of mental harassment and dowry-related abuse. Police have filed a case. Investigation remains underway.
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