Indian Army Officer Seeks Unbiased Investigation into Sister's Suspicious Death in Bhopal
Major Harshit Sharma, an active officer in the Indian Army, has called for a fair and comprehensive investigation into the death of his sister, Twisha Sharma. Twisha was discovered dead at her marital residence in Bhopal’s Katara Hills on the evening of May 12, 2026.
Twisha Sharma, aged 33, was a former Miss Pune contestant and a marketing professional with an MBA, originally from the Noida/Ajmer area. She had been married for around five months to Samarth Singh, a lawyer based in Bhopal and the son of retired district judge Giribala Singh. Her body was found hanging at the home, and she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The post-mortem report concluded her death resulted from hanging with a ligature, alongside multiple injuries sustained before death. Further forensic tests are being conducted with preserved samples.
Family’s Allegations and Demands
During a press conference in Bhopal, Major Harshit Sharma, accompanied by family and supported by veteran Army officers, criticized the handling of the investigation and demanded accountability throughout the process. He emphasized the family's desire for answers rather than retribution, pointing to several unresolved issues.
Among the concerns raised by Major Sharma were:
| Key Issues | Delay in police response and FIR registration: The family claims they were the first to contact police, not the in-laws. Despite the urgency asserted by the accused's family, CCTV footage allegedly shows Giribala Singh, the mother-in-law, behaving calmly. The FIR was filed on May 15 at 2:30 a.m., over three days after the incident, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 80(2) for dowry death, among other charges. |
|---|---|
| Alleged influence and procedural lapses: Major Sharma noted that anticipatory bail applications were filed before the FIR was registered, describing it as orchestrated. He expressed dismay at the connection between the accused family and police at the hospital and crime scene. | |
| Threats to the family: The family, including Major Sharma's 61-year-old father, reportedly received threats, including being warned of physical harm if the case continued. Security had to be arranged through Army senior officers. | |
| Questions on accountability: During the press conference, Major Sharma questioned why Samarth Singh had not been located, why he was missing, and why more inquiries, such as a second post-mortem, were not being pursued. |
Background of Alleged Harassment
Major Harshit Sharma claims Twisha suffered mental harassment and domestic abuse after leaving her job. She was allegedly demeaned as "useless" and "a burden," criticized for her family background, and pressured regarding a 20 lakh rupee fixed deposit. He also alleged that during her pregnancy, Twisha faced pressure from her husband and in-laws to terminate the pregnancy against her wishes.
On the night of May 12, Twisha reportedly spoke to her family around 10:05 p.m. before abruptly ending the call when her husband entered the room. The family was later informed that she was unresponsive, arriving at the hospital only around 11:30 p.m.
Twisha’s family presented WhatsApp messages from her expressing feelings of being "trapped" and wanting to return home. They have called for a second post-mortem, potentially at AIIMS Delhi, and a thorough investigation into possible evidence tampering or undue influence.
Investigation Status
An FIR has been filed by the police, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to probe allegations of dowry harassment, cruelty, and the circumstances surrounding Twisha’s death. A sessions court recently denied anticipatory bail to Samarth Singh, while Giribala Singh, the mother-in-law, received bail in certain proceedings. She has publicly claimed Twisha’s behavior changed post-pregnancy due to personal and mental health issues, which the family has dismissed as defamation.
Protests have taken place in Bhopal, including family-led demonstrations and appeals to senior police officials. Organizations like the Vardi Foundation have announced a motorcycle rally to demand justice for the Army officer’s sister.
Major Harshit Sharma’s Stance
Major Harshit Sharma has consistently focused on systemic issues rather than personal grievances:
“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 maintained that Twisha was a cheerful and confident individual with no mental health history. The family arrived in Bhopal on May 13 upon learning of her death.
The case has attracted significant public attention, calling for an unbiased investigation without external pressure. As the SIT’s inquiry and legal proceedings continue, Major Sharma and his family are determined to seek justice through appropriate legal avenues, ensuring Twisha’s character remains untainted.
Further developments are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
