Twisha Sharma death: Gymnastics belt emerges as crucial evidence in AIIMS forensic report

In a major development, an expert medical board from AIIMS New Delhi has submitted an 11-page forensic report to the CBI in a sealed cover.

Dr Sudhir Gupta, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, confirmed that the report had been submitted, though its contents remain confidential under court directions, according to an NDTV report.

Skin tissue found on gymnastics belt

According to NDTV's sources familiar with the findings, laboratory and histopathological examinations detected skin tissue on the alleged ligature material—a gymnastics belt fitted with a metal ring.

The sources said the forensic findings indicate that the skin tissue could correspond with the pattern of injuries found on Twisha's neck.

While the report does not determine whether Twisha died by suicide, was forced into taking the step, or was murdered, it could answer one of the investigation's most critical questions: whether the gymnastics belt was indeed used as the ligature.

Report may help reconstruct final moments

Investigators believe the AIIMS findings could help the CBI reconstruct the events leading up to Twisha's death.

The actress-model was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12, and the alleged gymnastics belt has remained at the centre of the controversy ever since.

Family had questioned missing evidence

Twisha's family had repeatedly raised concerns over the fact that the alleged ligature material was not produced before doctors during the first post-mortem examination.

Without the belt, forensic experts were unable to immediately compare its dimensions, texture and metal ring with the ligature marks and other injuries on her neck.

Bhopal Police had acknowledged that although the belt had been seized by the forensic team, it could not be delivered to the hospital in time.

The then Police Commissioner maintained that the belt was later sent for forensic correlation and that the delay did not ultimately affect the investigation. However, he had said the procedural lapse could be examined separately.

Family alleges investigation was compromised

Twisha's family strongly disputed that claim.

Their lawyers argued that the absence of the alleged ligature during the initial post-mortem deprived investigators of a critical opportunity to scientifically determine whether the injuries were consistent with that specific object.

The latest AIIMS findings now appear to establish a physical link between the belt and Twisha's injuries.

However, whether that evidence ultimately supports the initial suicide theory or points towards homicide will depend on the complete forensic opinion and the CBI's reconstruction of the crime scene.

CBI probe underway

Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home on May 12, less than six months after marrying advocate Samarth Singh.

While the initial police investigation treated the case as death by hanging, her family alleged that she had been subjected to cruelty and dowry-related harassment and questioned the circumstances surrounding her death.

An FIR was registered against Samarth Singh and his mother, retired principal district and sessions judge Giribala Singh.

Twisha Sharma's husband was arrested in May after being on the run for days. Photo: X/viral image/videgrab.

Following proceedings in the Supreme Court, the case was transferred to the CBI, which re-registered the FIR and took over the investigation.

Samarth Singh, who had initially evaded arrest, later surrendered before a court. He and Giribala Singh were subsequently arrested and remanded to judicial custody as the investigation continues.