THE family of Telugu film actress Twisha Sharma held a press conference on Tuesday to refute a l l e g a - tions levelled by her mother-in-law, retired district judge Justice Giribala Singh. The family accused Giribala Singh of using her judicial background and influence to compromise the police investigation. They claimed a deliberate attempt is being made to tarnish Twisha’s character to shield her husband, Samarth Singh, who is currently evading arrest. Navnidhi Sharma, the victim’s father, demanded the immediate cancellation of Giribala Singh’s anticipatory bail while accusing local police of bias. He stated that the retired judge continues to defame his daughter post-mortem, leaving the police seemingly helpless. Furthermore, he questioned the credibility of the initial autopsy report a n d demanded strict action against the conducting medical officer. The grieving family pointed out that the police have not yet recorded statements from key witnesses, including the domestic help and individuals who assisted in lowering Twisha’s body. Navnidhi Sharma stated that their demand for a second autopsy is being persistently suppressed, leading the family to refuse to perform her last rites to preserve crucial evidence.

 

The victim’s brother, Harshit Sharma, claimed that the first emergency call to police was made by the victim’s family, not the accused. Referencing recent CCTV footage, he pointed out that Giribala Singh appeared completely calm, contradicting her claim that they frantically tried to save Twisha’s life. He questioned the delay in alerting authorities and alleged a three-day delay in registering the First Information Report (FIR), adding that his father faced threats within the court premises. Meanwhile, the Vardi Welfare Society announced a protest march from Shaurya Smarak to the Chief Minister’s residence, police headquarters, and Raj Bhavan. Retired military officer Shyam Sundar Shrivastava stated that the death appears highly suspicious, highlighting a complete lack of neutrality in the investigation and emphasising that no individual is above the law. The campaign seeking justice for Twisha Sharma has expanded beyond Bhopal. Colleagues and relatives staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, while hundreds organised a candlelight march in her hometown of Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, a prayer meeting was held at Indira University in Pune, where Twisha completed her education, with well-wishers across the nation joining virtually.