The Delhi unit of the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Sunday submitted its final forensic opinion to a team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the high-profile Twisha Sharma death case. The report’s findings are being said to have resolved a crucial forensic question surrounding the alleged ligature material used in her death. 

An expert medical board from Delhi AIIMS prepared the 11-page report, handing it over to the investigating agency in a sealed cover in compliance with the directives issued by the Madhya Pradesh High Court (HC). While the contents of the report are confidential, officials familiar with the findings told the media that the forensic examination established an important link between the alleged ligature material, as well as the injuries found on Sharma’s body.

Sources say panel detected this

Sources said the AIIMS panel detected skin tissue on the gymnastics belt with a metal ring which was allegedly used as the ligature. Moreover, the laboratory analysis and histopathological examination confirmed that the skin tissue present on the belt was consistent with the injury marks found on Sharma’s neck, marking a settlement to one of the central forensic disputes in the probe.

Scientific assessment submitted to aid CBI probe

Dr Sudhir Gupta, who spearheaded the AIIMS medical board with regard to the case, said the panel carried out an exhaustive scientific review before drawing a conclusion. He said the board had submitted an in-depth and scientifically supported opinion after meticulously assessing all available medical and forensic evidence. 

He termed the panel’s findings a clear conclusion, saying the report was intended at assisting both the CBI and the judiciary in unearthing the truth and ensuring justice. CBI officials said the agency is examining and analysing the forensic opinion at present as part of its probe. 

HC had issued orders for second autopsy

After the Madhya Pradesh HC had issued directives to carry out Sharma’s second autopsy following objections raised by her family over the first one, a specialised team from Delhi AIIMS conducted the same. 

The principal forensic dispute revolved around whether the gymnastics belt fitted with a metal ring was the actual ligature used and whether it corresponded with the injury marks on Twisha’s neck. 

Notably, the first autopsy could not conclusively establish a link between the ligature and the injuries, as the ligature material had not been produced before the original medical board during the autopsy. The absence of this crucial piece of evidence prompted the MP HC to seek another fresh forensic scrutiny by AIIMS.

What was the Twisha Sharma case?

Twisha Sharma (33), a native of Noida and a former actor-model, was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area on May 12 this year. While allegations of her being subjected to dowry harassment by her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh continue to remain at the fore, the CBI is currently trying to ascertain the actual circumstances surrounding her death. 

A war of words intensified between both Twisha’s kin and her in-laws after her death, with Samarth’s family alleging she was battling drug addiction. Twisha's parents rejected the claim, and instead, accused Samarth and his mother Giribala, an ex-judge at the Bhopal district court, of relentlessly subjecting her to dowry harassment.

After the incident, Bhopal Police registered an FIR against Samarth and Giribala, under sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act.