CBI grills former judge Giribala Singh:Questions focus on CCTV footage, injuries and digital evidence

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the death of actress and model Twisha Sharma, has sought explanations from former District and Sessions Judge Giribala Singh on several key aspects of the case. According to sources, the investigation is primarily focused on allegations of crime scene tampering, the collection of CCTV footage and the preservation of digital evidence. Sources said Giribala Singh complained of anxiety and restlessness while in CBI custody. It is alleged that she repeatedly cited her discomfort during questioning. However, a woman Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from the CBI has continued to question her as part of the investigation. CBI seeks clarification on allegations mentioned in FIR According to sources, investigators asked the former judge to explain the serious allegations made against her in the FIR and why her role in the case should be considered limited despite accusations made by the complainant’s family. The agency also questioned why the trial court allegedly did not give adequate consideration to the case diary, witness statements and allegations made by the deceased’s family members. Giribala Singh has reportedly denied all allegations against her. She also told investigators that Twisha may have taken the extreme step due to depression following a miscarriage. Questions raised over injury marks found on Twisha’s body During the interrogation, the CBI referred to witness statements recorded in the case diary and sought explanations regarding repeated allegations of cruelty and harassment made by several witnesses and family members. Investigators also cited findings from the post-mortem report and questioned how the alleged pre-death injury marks found on Twisha’s body were sustained and whether family members were present at the time. The agency further sought clarification on why the injuries did not appear consistent with normal handling of the body after death. According to sources, Giribala Singh did not provide clear answers to these questions and remained largely silent during this part of the interrogation. Digital evidence forms core of investigation The CBI has reportedly made WhatsApp chats and other digital evidence a key part of its questioning. Investigators sought detailed responses regarding Twisha Sharma’s relationship with her in-laws after marriage, possible disputes within the family and allegations of mental and physical harassment. The agency also questioned her about discussions related to Twisha’s pregnancy and allegations that pressure had been exerted on her by family members. CBI questions delay in joining investigation Referring to submissions made before the High Court, the CBI also asked why there was a delay in appearing for questioning despite multiple notices being issued. Investigators sought clarification on whether there was any deliberate attempt to avoid the investigation or conceal documents, communication records or other evidence. Giribala Singh has denied any allegations of tampering with or hiding evidence. Key questions focused on CCTV footage One of the most significant aspects of the interrogation reportedly concerned digital evidence. Investigators referred to CCTV footage from a beauty salon and questioned who had sent three lawyers who were allegedly seen extracting the footage. The agency sought to determine whether the action was intended to preserve evidence or whether there had been an attempt to interfere with digital records. The CBI has also focused on possible changes made to the scene of the incident, the collection of electronic records and the alleged delay in informing police authorities. According to sources, investigators are now cross-checking witness statements, call detail records (CDRs), CCTV footage, data recovered from digital devices and statements made during questioning. Officials believe this analysis may help determine whether there was any attempt to influence evidence or divert the course of the investigation after the incident. Twisha died under suspicious circumstances on May 12 Twisha Sharma died under suspicious circumstances on the night of May 12 at Katara Hills in Bhopal. While her in-laws have maintained that the death was a case of suicide, her family has accused her husband and in-laws of murder. The investigation is currently being carried out by the CBI.