In the Twisha Sharma death case, Bhopal court has extended the judicial custody of accused husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh by 14 days. CBI is demanding voice sample and laptop password. The next hearing will be held on July 14. Post mortem report is awaited.
A Bhopal court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of Twisha’s husband Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh by 14 days in the Twisha death case. Both the accused will remain in jail till July 14. During the hearing, the accused appeared in the court through video conferencing.
CBI asked for voice sample and laptop password
Speaking to ANI, Twisha Sharma’s family lawyer, Ankur Pandey, said that the CBI had sought further extension of judicial custody of both the accused, which the court granted after hearing the arguments from both the sides. Pandey said, “Today, they (CBI) while presenting their arguments filed another application seeking further extension of 14 days. The opposition lawyer representing the accused opposed the move. However, considering all the facts, the court has extended their (Giribala and Samarth Singh) judicial custody for an additional 14 days, and the next hearing is scheduled for July 14.”
He further said that the CBI also moved additional applications seeking voice samples of both the accused for forensic comparison and requested that Samarth Singh be directed to provide the password of his laptop for forensic investigation. He said, “During the investigation, the CBI recovered some audio recordings, and they have filed an application for matching the voice samples of both the accused. Additionally, the laptop seized from Samarth Singh was sent to CFSL Delhi, but the complete data could not be obtained as it is password protected. In this regard, an application has been filed to direct Samarth Singh to provide the password of the laptop.”
Still waiting for post mortem report
Pandey also said that the second post-mortem report has not yet been presented before the court. Meanwhile, Twisha Sharma’s father said that some technical investigations, including DNA analysis, are still pending, due to which the final post-mortem report has not been submitted yet.
He said, “Look, as Ankur ji said, the post-mortem report is at a critical stage, and some technical investigations like DNA analysis are still pending. A lab generally takes its time for such procedures, and since a preliminary report cannot be handed over, they have not given one. I cannot comment further on that, but their stand is that they will submit the complete report together with all the final findings. It falls within their jurisdiction, and they are taking their time. Hopefully they will complete it soon.”
During the proceedings, the court was informed that the second post-mortem report in the case has not been submitted yet. The lawyer representing Twisha’s family also urged the court to direct obtaining the password of Samarth Singh’s laptop to facilitate forensic examination of the device as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, Giribala Singh’s lawyer raised the issue of alleged theft at the residence during the hearing.
What is the whole matter?
The case pertains to the death of Noida resident Twisha Sharma, who died on May 12 at her in-laws’ house in Bhopal. Her family has alleged that she was subjected to dowry-related harassment and mental torture by her husband and in-laws. Following the allegations, the case was handed over to the CBI for further investigation. The central agency is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Sharma’s death and the claims made by his family.
The case involves serious charges under the newly enacted Indian Justice Code, 2023 and Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Giribala Singh is charged under section 80(2) for dowry death, section 85 for cruelty to woman by husband or relatives, and section 3(5) for acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention. Additionally, she has been booked under sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)