Fresh twist in Twisha Sharma case: Post-mortem confirms death by hanging, no drug evidence Found

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhopal, May 20, 2026: The death of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma in Bhopal has taken a fresh turn after her post-mortem report concluded that the cause of death was “antemortem hanging by ligature," even as the findings documented multiple injuries across her body, deepening the contradictions between claims of suicide and allegations of murder made by her in-laws and her family.

The report has now become central to the controversy surrounding the case, with Twisha’s family continuing to allege dowry harassment and foul play, while her in-laws have cited the medical findings to support their stand that she died by suicide.

According to the autopsy conducted at AIIMS Bhopal’s Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Twisha was found hanging from a gymnastic ring rope on the terrace of her residence at nearly 10.26 pm on May 12.

She was later declared dead shortly after midnight on May 13.

The report identified “double reddish patterned ligature marks" around the upper third of her neck, with the skin beneath described as dry, hard and “parchmentized."

It also noted that the ligature mark was incomplete at the back of the neck, a detail commonly examined in hanging cases.

Doctors further documented signs associated with asphyxia, including facial congestion, bluish discolouration of the ears and fingernails, and petechial haemorrhages in the right eye.

Internally, congestion was observed in the brain, lungs and stomach lining, while the lungs showed “Tardieu’s spots," findings associated with asphyxiation.

At the same time, the report also recorded several simple antemortem injuries caused by blunt force.

These included abrasions on the neck, bruises on the left upper arm, forearm, right wrist and right ring finger, along with a bruise beneath the scalp in the left frontoparietal region.

The medical board concluded that while hanging was the cause of death, the other injuries appeared to be simple antemortem blunt-force injuries.

CONTRADICTIONS FUEL MURDER VS SUICIDE DEBATE

The post-mortem findings have intensified the already bitter dispute between Twisha’s family and her in-laws.

Twisha’s family has consistently alleged that she was subjected to mental torture and dowry harassment after her marriage to Bhopal resident Samarth Singh in December 2025.

They have repeatedly questioned whether the death was actually a suicide and demanded a second post-mortem examination and an independent probe monitored by the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice of India.

Her father, Navnidhi Sharma, accused the accused family of attempting to “tamper with evidence" and publicly malign Twisha’s image.

On the other hand, Twisha’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, claimed that the deceased had been emotionally disturbed after learning about her pregnancy and had insisted on undergoing a Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP).

She alleged that Twisha displayed “reckless and impulsive" behaviour and claimed her demeanour changed significantly after the pregnancy confirmation.

Singh also asserted that the case against her family “lacked merit" and said her son Samarth Singh would pursue all legal remedies available to him.

The conflicting narratives have now placed the post-mortem report at the centre of the investigation, especially because the findings simultaneously point to hanging while also documenting bodily injuries.

‘NO DRUGS’ CLAIM EMERGES AS KEY DETAIL

Another major point emerging from the case is the absence of any indication of drug consumption in the post-mortem report.

Police earlier rejected claims allegedly made by Twisha’s mother-in-law, suggesting that the deceased struggled with drug addiction.

Officials stated that neither the post-mortem findings nor the ongoing investigation had found evidence supporting such allegations.

“There is nothing about drugs in the post-mortem report. In our investigation, too, we have not found any such things," a senior police official had said earlier.

The clarification has become significant because allegations regarding Twisha’s mental state and personal behaviour had become a major line of defence from the accused side.

TOXICOLOGY, DNA TESTS STILL PENDING

The autopsy report further noted that blood, viscera, nail clippings and hair samples had been preserved and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for toxicology and DNA examination.

Investigators said the tests are intended to rule out intoxication and assist in the ongoing probe.

Meanwhile, police said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and multiple local teams are continuing efforts to arrest Samarth Singh, the prime accused in the case.

Authorities have also announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Officials confirmed that correspondence has been initiated with the Regional Passport Office regarding a lookout notice to prevent the accused from fleeing the country.