The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated an inquiry against Giribala Singh, the Chairperson of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Bhopal-2. This action follows a criminal case filed against her and her son at the Katara Hills police station after the alleged suicide of Twisha Sharma, Giribala Singh’s daughter-in-law, on May 12 in Bhopal. The family of the deceased has accused them of dowry harassment and cruelty.
The inquiry directive was issued on May 20 by the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Department. The order, signed by Deputy Secretary V.K. Chandel, was directed to the Registrar of the Madhya Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. It seeks an investigation under Rule 9(2) of the Consumer Protection Rules, 2020.
An official notification stated, “An inquiry may be conducted under Rule 9(2)… and the inquiry report be made available at the earliest.” The FIR lodged against Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh includes charges under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Giribala Singh, a retired Principal Judge from the Bhopal district court, assumed the role of Chairperson of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bhopal-2, post her retirement in February 2023. The state government was informed about the FIR against Singh through a communication from the Registrar of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
Amid mounting public and political interest in the case, the victim’s family has been advocating for an unbiased and transparent investigation, expressing concerns about potential institutional influence. The police have confirmed that the investigation is currently ongoing.
While Giribala Singh has obtained interim bail from the Bhopal district court, her son Samarth Singh remains at large, with his interim bail plea rejected by the court. Authorities have announced a reward of Rs 30,000 for any information leading to his apprehension.
