Twisha death probe raises fresh questions over injuries:Second autopsy by AIIMS Delhi team expected to clarify five critical concerns

The investigation into the death of actress Twisha Sharma has taken a new turn after the postmortem report reportedly revealed two ligature marks on her neck, raising questions over the suicide theory. According to the family, the two marks appear to overlap — something they claim is unusual in typical hanging cases. They also questioned why the alleged noose was neither immediately seized by police nor handed over to doctors during the first postmortem examination. Following these concerns, the family sought a second autopsy. Acting on the High Court’s direction, a forensic team from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Delhi) will now conduct a fresh postmortem examination in Bhopal. Investigators hope the second report will help answer five critical questions surrounding the case. 1. Questions raised over double ligature marks The initial postmortem report reportedly recorded two parallel ligature marks on Twisha’s neck. According to the report, the noose appeared to have wrapped around the neck twice. Despite this, the cause of death was listed as “suicide by hanging.” The family argues that such markings are uncommon in standard hanging cases. The AIIMS Delhi forensic team is expected to re-examine the nature and pattern of these marks during the second autopsy. 2. Delay in recovery of the alleged noose The alleged noose was neither provided to doctors during the first postmortem nor immediately seized by police, according to the family. It was reportedly recovered only on May 15 after questions were raised by relatives. Advocate Ankur Pandey questioned how the authenticity of the noose could have been verified after the cremation had already taken place. Forensic experts say that in such cases, the ligature material is usually sent along with the body for examination. The delay has also triggered questions over the police investigation process. 3. Probe into injury marks on the body The first postmortem report also reportedly documented multiple injury marks on the body. It stated that the injuries could have been caused by the impact of a hard object. Several wounds were reportedly found between the left elbow and wrist. However, the report provided limited details regarding the depth and severity of these injuries. Experts involved in the second examination are expected to assess the nature of the injuries more closely. According to forensic specialists, the condition of bones and muscles may help determine the seriousness and timing of the wounds. 4. Concerns over intact hyoid bone Forensic experts note that in many hanging cases, the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage is often affected. However, the report reportedly described these structures as intact. While traces of hemorrhage in tissues were reportedly noted, the report did not provide a detailed explanation regarding the preserved condition of the bone structures. The second autopsy is expected to review this aspect as well. Advocate Anurag Shrivastava has also raised questions regarding the position and condition of the noose and belt allegedly used in the incident. 5. Height discrepancy raises questions over medical report The report has also come under scrutiny over Twisha’s recorded height. The AIIMS Bhopal report reportedly mentioned her height as 166 cm, while family members claim she was 172 cm tall. Advocate Ankur Pandey questioned the accuracy of the report, citing the discrepancy as another point of concern. Second autopsy on decomposed body seen as major challenge Conducting a second autopsy on an 11-day-old body is being viewed as a significant challenge for the AIIMS Delhi team. According to forensic expert Dr. Harsh Sharma, investigators will first compare the videography and photographs from the initial postmortem examination. Dr. Sharma said that despite decomposition, experts can still determine whether certain marks developed due to decomposition or were injuries sustained while the victim was alive. The fresh report from AIIMS Delhi is now expected to play a crucial role in clarifying the circumstances surrounding Twisha’s death.