Major Harshit Sharma, a serving officer in the Indian Army, has publicly demanded a fair, transparent, and thorough investigation into the death of his sister, Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area on the night of May 12, 2026.
Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old former Miss Pune contestant, MBA graduate, and marketing professional originally from the Noida/Ajmer region, had been married for approximately five months to Bhopal-based lawyer Samarth Singh, son of retired district judge Giribala Singh. She was discovered hanging at the residence and was declared brought dead at the hospital. The post-mortem examination indicated death due to antemortem hanging by ligature, along with multiple antemortem injuries; samples have been preserved for further forensic analysis.
Family’s Allegations and Demands
Speaking at a press conference in Bhopal alongside family members and supported by veteran Army officers, Major Harshit Sharma questioned the handling of the case and called for accountability at every stage of the investigation. He emphasised that the family is not seeking revenge but insists on due process and answers to several unresolved issues.
Key points raised by Major Harshit Sharma include:
- Delay in police response and FIR registration: The family alleges that the first call to the police was made by them, not the in-laws. Despite claims of urgency by the accused side, resurfaced CCTV footage reportedly shows the mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, moving calmly inside the premises. The FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 80(2) (dowry death) and related provisions, along with sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act, was ultimately registered on May 15 at around 2:30 a.m. — more than three days after the incident.
- Alleged influence and procedural lapses: Major Sharma stated that anticipatory bail applications were filed even before the FIR was registered, describing it as appearing “well-orchestrated.” He expressed shock at the rapport between the accused family and police personnel at the hospital and crime scene.
- Threats to the family: He alleged that the family, including his 61-year-old father, has received threats, including warnings that they would be “thrashed by 30 men” if they continued pursuing the case. He noted that security had to be arranged through his senior officers in the Army.
- Questions on accountability: “Why are we not asking where Samarth Singh is? Why is he absconding? Why are these questions not being asked? Why are they not asking for a second post-mortem?” he asked during the press conference.
Background of Alleged Harassment
According to Major Harshit Sharma, Twisha had faced sustained mental harassment and domestic abuse after resigning from her job. He claimed she was taunted as “useless” and “a burden,” subjected to comments about her family background, and pressured regarding a fixed deposit of ₹20 lakh. He further alleged that during her pregnancy, she was subjected to immense pressure by her husband and in-laws to undergo termination against her wishes, despite wanting to continue with the child.
On the night of May 12, Twisha reportedly spoke to family members around 10:05 p.m., during which she abruptly disconnected the call after her husband entered the room. The family was later informed that she was not breathing, and she reportedly reached the hospital only around 11:30 p.m.
The family has also highlighted WhatsApp chats and messages from Twisha indicating distress, including expressions of feeling “trapped” and a desire to return home. They have demanded a second post-mortem examination (possibly at AIIMS Delhi) and a thorough probe into all aspects, including potential evidence tampering or influence.
Investigation Status
Police have registered an FIR and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations of dowry harassment, cruelty, and the circumstances of the death. A sessions court recently denied anticipatory bail to Samarth Singh. The mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, has been granted anticipatory bail in some proceedings and has publicly presented a contrasting account, attributing Twisha’s behaviour to personal and mental health factors post-pregnancy — claims the family has rejected as baseless defamation of the deceased.
Protests have erupted in Bhopal, with the family staging demonstrations and seeking intervention, including appeals to senior police officers. Groups such as the Vardi Foundation have announced plans for a motorcycle rally demanding justice for the sister of a serving Army officer.
Major Harshit Sharma’s Stance
Throughout his statements, Major Harshit Sharma has maintained a measured yet firm tone, focusing on systemic questions rather than personal vendetta:
“We are here to question the process… The fact that she [Giribala Singh] was granted bail on the grounds that she is a 63-year-old woman of repute and considered a non-threat does not justify her actions… A so-called ‘non-threat’ is sending people to threaten my family… Who gave her the authority to make such remarks about my deceased sister?”
He has also noted that Twisha was a cheerful and confident woman with no prior history of mental illness, and that the family arrived in Bhopal on May 13 after learning of her death.
The case continues to draw significant public attention, with calls for an impartial investigation free from any external influence. As the SIT probe progresses and legal proceedings unfold, Major Harshit Sharma and his family have reiterated their commitment to pursuing justice through proper legal channels while ensuring that the character of the deceased is not maligned.
Further updates are expected as the investigation advances.
