Following the expiry of their five-day CBI remand, former judge Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh were produced before the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Bhopal on Tuesday. After an intense hearing that lasted for nearly two hours, Special Judge Shobhna Bhalawe remanded both accused to 14 days of judicial custody, directing them to be held at the Bhopal Central Jail until June 16. The federal probe agency did not seek further custody, prompting the court to transition the suspects to judicial remand. Demeanour of accused during court transition: Under heavy security cover, the accused arrived at the court premises at 12:30 pm. Observers noted that both individuals initially appeared calm and confident, occasionally showing a relaxed demeanour as they entered the courtroom. However, their composure shifted noticeably to seriousness once the hearing concluded and they were prepared for their transfer to the prison facility. During the proceedings, Giribala Singh personally addressed the court, raising serious concerns over what she described as a co-ordinated ‘media trial’ that compromised their dignity. She also alleged that during a previous court transition in Jabalpur, an advocate representing the victim’s family, Anurag Srivastava, had physically assaulted Samarth Singh. Expressing fear for their lives, she formally petitioned the court to order enhanced security measures for both of them. Counter-arguments and verbal clash in courtroom: Representing the victim’s family, advocate Anurag Srivastava strongly refuted the assault allegations as completely baseless.

 

He argued that the entire layout of the Jabalpur court is monitored by CCTV cameras, which can be reviewed to verify that a significant physical distance was maintained between him and Samarth Singh. Srivastava further alleged that Samarth Singh had previously hidden in a room at the Jabalpur court with several unidentified associates, whose roles must be investigated, adding that he himself had received death threats during the process. Accused denies evidence tampering and charges: Samarth Singh defended himself directly before the judge, denying all allegations of destroying evidence at the crime scene. He maintained that his relationship with the deceased, Twisha Sharma, was entirely normal and described the accusations levelled against him and his mother as completely unfounded. Security concerns and prison placement decisions: Highlighting her former career in the judiciary, Giribala Singh expressed deep concern about being housed inside Bhopal Central Jail. She explained that she had sentenced numerous criminals during her judicial tenure, some of whom are currently serving terms in the same prison facility, making her vulnerable to physical attacks. Taking these security concerns into account, the court directed the jail administration to ensure robust security and keep her isolated from hostile inmates. Bhopal Central Jail Superintendent Rakesh Bhangre stated that both Giribala Singh and her son will be placed in standard barracks. The former judge will be housed within the female ward, while Samarth Singh will reside in the male barracks, with regular security protocols maintained to monitor their safety.