CBI gets court approval in Twisha Sharma case:Voice samples allowed, court refuses ban on media interaction request

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the suspicious death of actress and model Twisha Sharma, received significant relief from a Bhopal district court on Monday. The court allowed the agency to obtain the password to the laptop belonging to the accused Samarth Singh and granted permission to collect voice samples from both accused. It also rejected the defence’s objections and declined to restrain the victim’s family or their lawyers from speaking to the media. CBI’s applications approved According to Shubhang Dixit, counsel representing Twisha Sharma’s family, the CBI had filed two applications before the court on July 3. During Monday’s hearing, the court approved both requests, clearing the way for further digital and forensic investigation in the case. CBI granted access to laptop data The CBI informed the court that Samarth Singh’s laptop had already been seized during the investigation. However, investigators had been unable to access the data because the device was password-protected. The agency sought the court’s permission to obtain the password so it could examine the contents of the laptop as part of its investigation. The court accepted the request. Court permits collection of voice samples The investigating agency also sought permission to collect voice samples from both accused. The defence argued that the CBI should first disclose which audio recordings the samples would be compared against and produce those recordings before the court in a sealed cover. The court rejected the objection and granted the CBI permission to collect the voice samples. ‘Investigation procedure is CBI’s prerogative’ In its order, the court observed that the investigation had been transferred to the CBI following directions from the High Court. It held that determining the manner in which the investigation proceeds falls within the agency’s jurisdiction, and the court cannot dictate investigative procedures or require the CBI to present evidence before taking such steps. Court declines to restrict media interaction During the hearing, the defence also requested that the victim’s family members and their legal representatives be barred from interacting with the media or making public statements. The court rejected the request, stating that it would not issue any order preventing individuals from presenting their side publicly. Both accused remain in judicial custody Following the order, advocate Shubhang Dixit said the court’s decision would help expedite the CBI investigation. The two accused in the case, Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh, are currently in judicial custody while the investigation continues.