New Delhi: The post-mortem report of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma, who died in Bhopal on May 12, stated that the cause of death was “antemortem hanging by ligature.” The autopsy also found several simple injuries on different parts of her body that were caused by blunt force.
According to the report prepared by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS Bhopal, Twisha was found hanging from a gymnastic ring rope on the terrace of her house at around 10:26 pm on May 12. Doctors declared her dead shortly after midnight on May 13.
Findings of autopsy
The report said doctors found a double reddish patterned ligature mark running obliquely around the upper part of the neck. The skin below the mark appeared dry, hard and “parchmentized.” The ligature mark remained incomplete at the back of the neck.
Doctors also found signs linked to asphyxia. These included facial congestion, bluish discolouration of fingernails and ears, and petechial haemorrhages in the right eye.
During the internal examination, doctors found two bruised patches in tissues beneath the ligature mark. The lungs showed “Tardieu’s spots,” which are commonly linked to asphyxiation. Congestion was also present in the lungs, brain and stomach lining.
Other injuries recorded
The autopsy documented several antemortem injuries apart from the hanging marks. These included abrasions on the left side of the neck and bruises on the left upper arm, left forearm, right wrist and right ring finger. Doctors also found a 2 cm x 2 cm bruise beneath the scalp in the left frontoparietal region.
The report further stated that the uterus was enlarged and contained reddish-grey friable tissue, which suggested retained decidual tissue. It also mentioned that Twisha had undergone Medical Termination of Pregnancy one week before her death.
Doctors preserved blood, viscera, nail clippings and hair samples for toxicology and DNA tests at the Forensic Science Laboratory to rule out intoxication and support the investigation.
SIT continues search for accused
Police said the Special Investigation Team and local teams are trying to trace the accused. Speaking to ANI, Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajnish Kashyap Kaul said, “Regarding the lookout notice, necessary correspondence has been initiated with the DCP office, Bhopal Commissionerate, and the Regional Passport Office.”
“Our SIT team, along with local teams, is actively engaged. We are gathering intelligence through both technical means and human sources. The DCP has also announced a reward,” he added.
Police earlier announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Samarth Singh, the prime accused in the case.
Family members trade allegations
The case took another turn after Twisha’s mother-in-law and retired judge Giribala Singh spoke publicly about the pregnancy and termination issue.
“On the 17th, the moment she received confirmation of her pregnancy, her entire demeanour changed; she declared that she did not want to keep this child,” Singh told ANI. She also claimed that Twisha later underwent MTP and said her son Samarth Singh faced emotional distress after the termination.
Twisha’s father Navnidhi Sharma rejected the allegations and accused Giribala Singh of defaming his daughter.
“This woman is currently out on anticipatory bail, and she is violating the conditions of that bail. She is violating the law by coming before the media and, in this manner, publicly maligning the character of the deceased,” Sharma alleged.
He demanded a second post-mortem and an independent investigation supervised by the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of India.
Twisha Sharma, a resident of Noida, married Bhopal resident Samarth Singh in December 2025. Her family accused the in-laws of mental torture and dowry harassment. Police registered a case and formed an SIT for investigation.