A Bhopal court on Wednesday rejected a plea seeking a second postmortem of actress and model Twisha Sharma, whose death under suspicious circumstances has triggered widespread public attention in Madhya Pradesh. The court, however, directed police to preserve the body in a mortuary facility capable of preventing decomposition for an extended period.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to write to the Centre seeking a CBI investigation into the case. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav also assured Twisha Sharma’s family that the state would support further legal proceedings, including arrangements to shift the body to AIIMS Delhi if ordered by the court.

Court Rejects Second Postmortem

The order was passed by Judge Anudita Gupta’s court in Bhopal after hearing arguments related to the demand for a second postmortem examination outside the state. In its observation, the court stated that allowing a second postmortem in another state did not fall within its jurisdiction. The court also noted that the first postmortem conducted at AIIMS Bhopal followed due procedure and there was no evidence on record indicating collusion between doctors and the accused. The court said suspicion alone could not justify ordering another postmortem examination at this stage.

Body Preservation Ordered

While rejecting the plea, the court instructed the Katara Hills police station SHO to ensure proper preservation of the body. The order highlighted concerns regarding the existing mortuary facility at AIIMS Bhopal, where the body is reportedly being stored at minus 4 degrees Celsius, allowing preservation for only four to five days. The court observed that long-term preservation would require storage at nearly minus 80 degrees Celsius to prevent decomposition. Twisha Sharma’s family has now indicated that they will approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking permission for a second postmortem at AIIMS Delhi.

CM Assures Family Support

Twisha Sharma’s father Navnidhi Sharma met Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in Bhopal along with a group of retired armed forces personnel. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reportedly assured the family of all possible assistance from the state government. He also stated that the government would facilitate transportation of the body to Delhi if the High Court orders a second postmortem. The state government additionally plans to request a CBI investigation into the case through an official communication to the Centre.

Bail Cancellation Plea Planned

The Madhya Pradesh government is also expected to file an application seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Twisha Sharma’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh. Twisha’s family has accused Giribala Singh and husband Samarth Singh of dowry harassment and linked them to the actress’s death. The family has separately written to Governor Mangubhai Patel demanding removal of Giribala Singh from her current position in the district consumer forum, arguing that an accused in a dowry death case should not continue in office.

Husband Still Absconding

Bhopal Police has issued a lookout notice against Twisha Sharma’s husband Samarth Singh, who remains absconding. Police Commissioner Sanjay Singh said a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter from every possible angle and efforts to trace the accused are ongoing. Authorities have also increased the reward for information leading to Samarth Singh’s arrest from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. The court has directed Samarth Singh to appear before it on May 23 and present his side in the matter.

Questions Over Investigation

The case has sparked debate over forensic procedures and handling of evidence during the initial postmortem process. According to information emerging from the investigation, the belt allegedly used in the hanging incident was not brought to AIIMS Bhopal during the postmortem examination. As a result, forensic experts could not scientifically compare the ligature marks on Twisha’s neck with the alleged object used. Police officials have maintained that preliminary findings indicate suicide and that the neck injuries appear consistent with hanging. However, Twisha Sharma’s family has pointed to injury marks found on her body and continues to allege dowry harassment and foul play.

National Attention On Case

The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought an Action Taken Report from the Madhya Pradesh government within seven days. The commission has asked officials to provide details regarding FIR provisions, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, call records and measures taken to ensure safety of the family. Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha has also written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav seeking a CBI probe into the actress’s death. Retired armed forces personnel additionally organised a motorcycle rally in Bhopal demanding an impartial investigation into the Twisha Sharma death case.