Retired judge Giribala’s last verdict back in spotlight:Acquitted murder accused in 2023; CBI secures 5-day remand of mother and son

Former District and Sessions Judge Giribala Singh is once again in the headlines after the CBI’s action in the death case of actress and model Twisha Sharma. On Friday, the CBI produced Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh in a special court. The investigating agency sought a five-day police remand for both, which the court granted. After the arrest, discussions have also intensified about Giribala Singh’s last decision of her judicial career. This decision was related to the famous Faiz Qureshi murder case in Bhopal’s Talaiya police station area, in which the court acquitted the accused Shafiq Qureshi, giving him the benefit of doubt. Giribala Singh had pronounced this verdict on February 13, 2023. In its order, the court had stated that the prosecution could not prove the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt. According to the court, the eyewitnesses, scientific evidence, and FSL report presented in the case could not clearly prove the accused’s involvement. Faiz Qureshi Murder Case Happened in 2021
According to the prosecution, on the night of July 25, 2021, around 9 PM, Faiz Qureshi was attacked with a knife near Eidgah School Ground in Talaiya police station area. Seriously injured Faiz was taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The post-mortem report confirmed death due to deep wounds on the chest and excessive bleeding. Police registered a murder case and arrested the accused Shafiq Qureshi. During the investigation, a knife, clothes, and other materials were allegedly seized from the accused. An FSL investigation was also conducted in the case. Witnesses had turned hostile in court During the hearing of the case, the prosecution suffered a major setback when the key eyewitnesses Aman Qureshi, Afsan Qureshi, Zeeshan and Sameer recanted their previous statements in court. None of the witnesses admitted in court that they had seen the accused attacking Faiz Qureshi. Many witnesses also questioned the police action, seizure memo, and investigation process. The court held in its judgment that based solely on the statements of police officers and circumstantial evidence, the accused cannot be convicted. FSL report also did not form a strong basis The court had stated that the FSL report also could not clearly establish the involvement of the accused. Scientific evidence could not strengthen the prosecution’s claims. The court also referred to the Supreme Court’s principle, which states that the prosecution must prove its case based on solid evidence and the accused should be given the benefit of every reasonable doubt. On these grounds, the court had acquitted Shafiq Qureshi of the charge under Section 302. Twisha’s death before the release of her last film Meanwhile, after the death of Twisha Sharma, there is an atmosphere of mourning in the film industry as well. Twisha had rapidly gained recognition in South Indian cinema and her last film is scheduled to be released in the coming months. This film is said to be based on an army background, for which Twisha was very excited. Co-actor wrote an emotional post The film’s actor and Telugu star, Viraj Cheelam, shared an emotional post on social media remembering Twisha. He wrote that the news of Twisha’s death has deeply shocked him. Viraj said that Twisha played a very important role in the film and her energy and dedication will always be remembered by the entire team. He wrote, “Our film is going to be released soon, and Twisha was an important part of it. I can’t believe she is no longer with us.” Twisha’s death and the related events have now stirred up the film industry, as well as judicial and investigative agencies. It is worth noting that Twisha died under suspicious circumstances on the night of May 12 in Katara Hills, Bhopal. Her in-laws are calling it a suicide, while her parents have accused her husband and in-laws of murder. Twisha’s ashes immersed in Rishikesh Twisha Sharma’s family immersed her ashes in the Ganga river at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh on Friday. During this time, the family performed prayers and other religious rituals according to tradition. Two important legal aspects of the case 1. Special procedure adopted in the arrest of former judge After Giribala’s arrest, the CBI informed the Principal District and Sessions Judge. The case was related to a former judicial officer, so an attempt was made to contact the High Court regarding the arrest formalities, but immediate contact could not be made. The arrest proceedings were advanced by completing the process in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court. 2. It is not clear in which court the trial will proceed There is no separate notified court for CBI cases in Bhopal. The special CBI court operating here primarily hears cases related to economic offenses. Therefore, deliberations are ongoing regarding which court will hear the regular proceedings of the Twisha Sharma case. No official notification has been issued.