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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has supported the transfer of the trial in the Twisha Sharma unnatural death case from Bhopal to Delhi, telling the Supreme Court that there is every likelihood that the two accused may influence the proceedings and intimidate witnesses in Madhya Pradesh.

“It is further submitted that respondent No.2 being a retired District Judge from District Court, Bhopal may influence the trial proceedings and intimidate the witnesses of the case”, the affidavit states

In a counter-affidavit filed before the Supreme Court on October 29, the CBI has submitted that accused Giribala Singh, a retired District and Sessions Judge, and her son Samarth Singh, a practising advocate in Bhopal, are influential persons in the district and may influence the trial proceedings and intimidate witnesses.

CBI has alleged that Giribala Singh interfered in the investigation initially conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Police.

“That, the gravity and seriousness of the present case is reflected from the allegations that after the incident of death of the deceased, the respondent No.2 Giribala Singh has tried to manage the crime scene and also tried to tamper with the evidence. The accused person i.e. respondent No. 2 has misused her position and there are series of incidences which clearly reflect her unwarranted interference in the investigation conducted by the State Police”, the affidavit states.

The affidavit was filed in a transfer petition instituted by Twisha's father, Navnidhi Sharma, seeking transfer of the trial pending before the Tenth District and Sessions Judge, Bhopal, to a competent court in Delhi. On the previous date, the Supreme Court stayed the trial before the Bhopal court and sought response of CBI and the accused to the transfer plea.

The CBI filed its chargesheet on August 17, 2026, against Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh under Sections 85 (cruelty), 108 (abetment to suicide) and 3(5) of the BNS. While the dowry related sections invoked in the FIR have been dropped on the charge sheet, CBI's affidavit states that further investigation is continuing into the allegations relating to dowry death and other aspects.

The transfer plea was listed today before the bench led by CJI Surya Kant, but was adjourned to a later date for further hearing. Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal along with Advocate on Record Abhijeet Sinha appeared for the petitioner.

The CBI in its response has expressed the apprehension of interference with the trial, including intimidation of witnesses, arising from the position and influence of the accused.

The affidavit notes that Giribala Singh was serving as President of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bhopal, at the time of the incident. It also points out that Samarth Singh is a practising advocate in Bhopal.

The CBI has further stated that during the investigation, it was established that Giribala Singh had called a technician and obtained copies of CCTV footage relating to the relevant period. According to the affidavit, on May 13, 2026, she also contacted the owner of Xpression Beauty Parlour, enquired about Twisha's visit on May 12 and arranged for the relevant CCTV footage to be collected by sending persons to the beauty parlour.

Giribala Singh was granted anticipatory bail on May 13, 2026, after the inquest proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Her subsequent bail plea was dismissed by the First Additional District Judge, Bhopal, on July 25, 2026.

In its concluding submission, the CBI has reiterated that both accused are influential persons in Bhopal and that there is every likelihood of their influencing the trial and intimidating witnesses.

“In view of the aforesaid facts and circumstances of the case, it is respectfully prayed that the respondent No.2 and 3 in this case are influential persons of District Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and there is every likelihood that they will influence the trial proceeding and intimidate the witnesses of the case. Therefore, this Hon'ble Court may kindly pass an appropriate order as deemed fit in the interest of Justice”, the affidavit reads.

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