Agency plans face-to-face interrogation; virtual recreation of Twisha Sharma’s final hours underway.

Court Production After Medical Check-up

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday produced retired judge Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh before a local court in Bhopal, days after taking over the probe into the death of actress and model Twisha Sharma. The couple was brought to the court premises following a mandatory medical examination at the MANIT campus.

CBI’s legal representative formally requested a five-day remand for both accused, arguing that their custodial interrogation is essential for unravelling the sequence of events leading to the 25-year-old’s death. Officials familiar with the matter said the probe team wants to question the mother-son duo face-to-face.

Face-to-Face Interrogation Planned

According to sources, investigators believe confronting Giribala and Samarth simultaneously could expose inconsistencies in their individual accounts of what transpired on the night of May 12. The agency has already taken Samarth into custody earlier. With Giribala’s arrest on Thursday after nearly seven hours of questioning, the CBI now has both primary accused in its net.

“The idea is to recreate the emotional and situational dynamics of that night,” a source close to the development said. “Sitting them across from each other often leads to cracks in the narrative.”

Evidence Tampering Allegations

The retired judge was arrested late Thursday evening on allegations of tampering with evidence. CBI teams had first reached her Bag Mugalia Extension residence on May 26, two days after formally registering an FIR in the case. During spot verification, officers reportedly found signs that suggested crucial material may have been disturbed or removed before the agency could secure the scene.

Local authorities had initially handled the case, but the family raised suspicions over the police investigation, prompting the state government to hand over the matter to the CBI.

Virtual Recreation of Last Hours

In a significant development, the agency is now employing what officials describe as a “tunnel view investigation technique.” A virtual recreation of Twisha Sharma’s final hours is being prepared, allowing the team to map minute-by-minute activities before and after her death.

This digital reconstruction will incorporate call detail records, tower locations, and statements from household staff and other family members who were present that night. The CBI is also analysing digital evidence, including deleted messages and app activity, to verify claims made by the accused.

What Happened That Night?

Twisha Sharma was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her in-laws’ residence in Bhopal late on May 12. While initial police reports suggested a possible accident or suicide, the actress’s family alleged foul play and demanded a thorough probe. The case gained widespread attention after discrepancies emerged in the time of death and the family’s delayed response in informing authorities.

Sources said the CBI has already questioned domestic help and neighbours over the past week. Investigators are now likely to record statements from extended family members and anyone who communicated with the household in the 48 hours following the incident.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The court is expected to rule on the CBI’s remand request later on Friday. If granted, the agency will have five days to interrogate both Giribala and Samarth together, apart from continuing its forensic analysis of the crime scene.

Officials confirmed that no new arrests are imminent, but the investigation remains open to examining the role of other individuals based on evidence that surfaces during the remand period.

Trump’s 48-Hour Ultimatum Expires as Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Closure

Tensions Escalate in West Asia

Tensions in West Asia reached a critical point on Monday as a 48-hour ultimatum issued by United States President Donald Trump to Iran officially expired. The deadline, which demanded Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz without conditions, lapsed amid a significant escalation of military action across the region. Reports of fresh airstrikes and retaliatory threats have placed global energy markets and international diplomacy on edge.

Israel Conducts Fresh Strikes on Tehran

In a dramatic escalation, the Israeli military announced a “wave of extensive strikes” targeting Iranian government infrastructure in Tehran. Explosions were reported across the capital by Iranian state media. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the operation was focused on “terrorist infrastructure.” This attack followed earlier missile strikes that reportedly hit residential areas, including Khorramabad and Karaj, resulting in casualties, with Iranian media confirming at least one child killed.

Iran Warns of Retaliation and Canal Closure

Responding to the military actions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stark warning. He stated that any further attacks, particularly on Iranian power plants or nuclear facilities, would be met with direct retaliation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) specifically threatened to completely shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes. Iran also warned it would target regional energy and water infrastructure if its assets are struck.

Global Markets Rattled by Conflict Fears

The escalating conflict sent shockwaves through global financial markets. Asian stock markets tumbled sharply on Monday, with Japan’s Nikkei index falling by approximately 3.5% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropping around 3.3%. Investors fled to safe-haven assets as fears mounted that the war could drag on for weeks. The International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that the global economy is facing a “major, major threat” due to the energy crisis sparked by the hostilities.

Oil Prices Surge Past $100 Mark

Concerns over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a sharp surge in global crude oil prices. US benchmark WTI crude crossed the $100 per barrel mark, while Brent crude climbed to $113.44 per barrel before stabilizing slightly. The volatility underscores the market’s anxiety over supply disruptions. The South Korean won also weakened sharply, slipping to its lowest level since 2009, reflecting the broader economic impact of the geopolitical instability.

Diplomatic Efforts Stalled by Preconditions

Despite the military escalation, diplomatic backchannels remain active. Aides to President Trump, including Jared Kushner, are reportedly exploring ceasefire options. However, Tehran has set strict preconditions for any talks, including an immediate halt to the war, compensation for damages, and guarantees against future attacks. Washington is currently unwilling to accept these terms, and there are no direct talks between the US and Iran, with countries like Egypt, Qatar, and the UK acting as mediators.

Outlook Remains Uncertain Amid Hostilities

With the ultimatum expired and both sides showing no signs of backing down, the immediate future remains volatile. The US has reiterated its demands for Iran to suspend its missile program and halt uranium enrichment. Meanwhile, Iran’s military has vowed to continue its operations until it “teaches its enemies a lesson.” As the Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint, the global community watches closely for the next move, with the risk of a wider regional conflict looming large.