CBI backs trial transfer in Twisha Sharma death case over witness fear

The CBI has told the Supreme Court that former district judge Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh are likely to influence the trial and intimidate witnesses in the Twisha Sharma death case. In a counter-affidavit filed on 29 October, the agency supported Navnidhi Sharma's plea to transfer the trial from Bhopal to Delhi, saying Giribala Singh tried to manage the crime scene and tamper with evidence after the death on 12 May.

The CBI said Singh called a technician to obtain CCTV footage and contacted a beauty parlour owner about Twisha's visit. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant adjourned the hearing for a week on 30 October after the accused's counsel cited a wedding. The court had earlier on 16 October stayed trial proceedings in Bhopal. The CBI filed its chargesheet on 17 August under sections 85, 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The transfer petition is tentatively listed for 19 November.

Update, 30 October 2026: The CBI has formally supported the transfer plea in a counter-affidavit, stating Singh ‘may influence trial proceedings and intimidate witnesses’. The details of CCTV footage collection on 13 May are new. The hearing was adjourned for a week because the counsel for the accused is getting married.