Twisha's mother-in-law's influence may hamper fair trial: CBI seeks case transfer
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has told the Supreme Court that a fair and impartial trial in the Twisha Sharma death case may not be possible in Bhopal, citing the alleged influence of her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, a former district judge and a key accused in the case.
The agency's stand effectively backs Twisha's father, Navnidhi Sharma, who has sought the transfer of the trial outside Madhya Pradesh, preferably to Delhi.
In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the CBI expressed concerns that Giribala Singh's influence could affect proceedings before the trial court and intimidate witnesses. The agency also flagged allegations that she attempted to interfere with the investigation and tamper with evidence after Twisha's death.
"The gravity and seriousness of the present case is reflected from allegations that after the incident, Giribala Singh tried to manage the crime scene and tried to tamper with evidence," the CBI stated.
The agency further said, "There are also a series of incidents which clearly reflect her unwarranted interference in the investigation conducted by the state police."
The development comes as the Supreme Court considers Navnidhi Sharma's plea to transfer the trial from Bhopal to Delhi to ensure a free and fair hearing. On Monday, the court adjourned the matter for a week after the respondent's counsel sought additional time.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana granted the request after senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for the respondent, sought an accommodation, citing the marriage of his instructing counsel.
Earlier, the apex court had stayed further proceedings before the Bhopal Sessions Court in the case until further orders. It had also issued notices to the CBI and the accused, Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh, on the plea seeking the transfer of the trial to Delhi.
Navnidhi Sharma has raised concerns over Giribala Singh's alleged influence, pointing to her position as a former district judge. Giribala Singh is also a former president of the Madhya Pradesh District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.WHAT IS TWISHA SHARMA DEATH CASE?
Twisha Sharma, a Noida resident, married Bhopal-based lawyer Samarth Singh after the two met on a dating app. Around five months after their marriage, she was found hanging at her matrimonial home on May 12.
Twisha's family alleged that she faced sustained domestic abuse and harassment over dowry demands.
Her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, initially secured anticipatory bail from a sessions court. However, the Madhya Pradesh High Court subsequently set aside the bail order after the state government and Twisha's family challenged the relief.- Ends
Aneesha Mathur is a Special Correspondent for India Today where she puts her LLB degree to use covering Legal issues and cases in the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High court and other courts/tribunals.
Aneesha joined India Today in October 2018. After graduating from St Stephen's College and Faculty of law,Delhi University, she spent the formative years of her career in print Media.
Her interest in journalism stems from experience while interning with Legal services and Juvenile justice board as a law student, where she learnt the importance of ensuring that accurate information reaches the world, and that stories about individual experiences and statistics that show a "bigger picture" must supplement each other so other people can see what the large impact of a small thing can be. When not working or thinking about the law and it's state, Aneesha hides from reality in fantasy novels, rom-coms and food.
