According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India, the investigation into the death of actress Twisha Sharma on 12/5 at her in-laws' home in Bhopal revealed that her husband and mother-in-law subjected her to continuous mental abuse, leaving Twisha no choice but to end her life.

The CBI presented this conclusion in an indictment spanning about 650 pages, filed with the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) on 17/8. It charges Giribala Singh and her son, Samarth Singh, with physically or mentally torturing Twisha and instigating her suicide.

Both defendants have been held in judicial custody since 2/6.

The CBI stated in court: "Due to continuous mental cruelty, on the night of 12/5, Twisha committed suicide by hanging herself on the rooftop of her husband's house."

Model and actress Twisha Sharma. Photo: The Star

Two autopsy reports confirmed the cause of death as suicide by hanging, with no other injuries found on Twisha's body.

The CBI reported that forensic psychological assessment and behavioral analysis of Twisha, based on her diary, surveillance camera data, and other documents, all indicated she suffered mental abuse, evidenced by "despair, prolonged psychological damage, and lack of support."

Twisha's death sparked public outcry in India. The case drew particular attention because the public expects those within the country's powerful justice system to set an example. Twisha’s husband is a lawyer, and her mother-in-law is a retired judge.

Twisha Sharma (right) and her husband, lawyer Samarth Singh. Photo: ANI

Twisha, a model and actress, was crowned Miss Pune in 2012 after winning a beauty pageant in the western Indian city of Pune. She appeared in many commercials and one film. In recent years, Twisha worked in marketing for private companies.

According to the indictment, Twisha met Samarth via a dating app in February 2025 and married him in December of the same year.

The CBI's investigation showed that after marriage, Samarth repeatedly subjected Twisha to mental abuse and continuously used insulting language towards her. "Mrs. Giribala occasionally incited her son to commit acts of mental cruelty against Twisha," the CBI added.

Mrs. Giribala Singh leaving court after a hearing regarding Twisha Sharma's death, 2/6. Photo: ANI

According to Twisha's family, the biggest conflict between her and her in-laws occurred in April, after she became pregnant. The family accused her husband and mother-in-law of questioning Twisha's character, claiming the child was not Samarth's, and forcing her to have an abortion in the first week of May.

Mrs. Giribala denied this accusation, stating that Twisha herself requested the abortion because she did not want to have a child.

Twisha's family also accused Samarth and his mother of abusing his wife over dowry demands.

Mrs. Giribala called these accusations "baseless" and suggested Twisha suffered from mental health issues, leading her to commit suicide. After his wife's death, Samarth disappeared but later surrendered.

Days after Twisha's death, Mrs. Giribala faced criticism after holding a press conference where she discussed her daughter-in-law's mental health and called Twisha "liberal." When reporters asked for clarification on the word "liberal," Giribala referred to a "promiscuous lifestyle."

These statements caused a wave of outrage. Twisha's father believed it was an attempt to tarnish his daughter's reputation.

Tue Anh (according to India Express, BBC)