The National Commission for Women (NCW) has initiated action following media reports on the death of Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old woman from Noida, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Twisha Sharma passed away under suspicious circumstances just five months after her marriage, with her family alleging dowry harassment and mistreatment by her husband, Samarth Singh, and mother-in-law, Giribala Singh. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has urged Madhya Pradesh authorities to conduct a prompt, fair, and time-bound investigation into the case, demanding a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within a week.
The NCW has also requested information on the charges in the FIR, the status of the accused’s arrest and questioning, efforts to locate the absconding suspect Samarth Singh, and details on passport confiscation, CCTV footage, call records, and forensic evidence. Additionally, they seek clarity on the post-mortem report and any previous complaints filed. The Commission has emphasized the need to safeguard the victim’s family from coercion or defamation to ensure a fair legal process.
Expressing strong disapproval of the incident, the NCW has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence or abuse of power in cases of dowry harassment and domestic violence, stressing the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. Meanwhile, Twisha Sharma’s family, who suspect foul play in her death, has requested an independent medical opinion from a reputable national institution to uphold transparency and preserve crucial forensic evidence.
The family has taken legal steps to secure vital evidence, citing concerns over delays potentially compromising the investigation. Twisha’s father, Navnidhi Sharma, emphasized the need for clarity on the circumstances surrounding her demise. The family also highlighted discrepancies in a press note referring to Giribala Singh and has called for the preservation and forensic securing of various electronic evidence linked to over 40 mobile numbers.
