VIP Treatment Allegations for Accused in Twisha Sharma Death Case Prompt Jail Official Transfer

Fresh questions have emerged over the treatment extended to retired district judge Giribala Singh inside Bhopal Central Jail, with prison authorities transferring a deputy jailer after allegations that the two accused in the Twisha Sharma death case — Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh — were provided preferential facilities in violation of prison rules.

Bhopal Jail Superintendent Rakesh Bhangre told The Indian Express that Giribala Singh was not provided any preferential treatment and that the concerned officer was shifted to the administrative department.

“There was no preferential treatment given to the inmate. Giribala Singh is housed in a ward that is usually reserved for sick or pregnant inmates, but this is not a medical ward. Since allegations were being raised of VIP treatment, I shifted the concerned jailer. The jail authority was only following the court directions, which stipulated that Giribala be housed in a separate ward,” he said.

The development has cast renewed attention on the incarceration of Giribala Singh and her son, who were sent to 14 days’ judicial custody after the CBI completed its custodial questioning and chose not to seek a further remand.

Soon after entering prison, Giribala Singh was accommodated in the women’s medical wing, while Samarth Singh was admitted to the jail’s medical ward, citing a leg injury. Their prison stint had drawn scrutiny from the start after reports emerged that Giribala had sought permission to enter the prison premises by vehicle and was being housed separately from ordinary inmates.

According to officials, however, Giribala Singh is now subject to the same daily schedule governing all inmates inside the central jail. She has been issued standard prison utensils, bedding and clothing allowances available under jail rules, officials said.

They said Giribala Singh starts her day with morning prayers and has remained “composed during interactions with jail officials”.

According to prison officials, Giribala Singh has so far followed the standard daily routine prescribed for inmates. She wakes up with the morning roll call and is served tea around 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am. On her first full day in jail, she ate the same breakfast provided to other inmates — “salted dalia (porridge) and tea”. Lunch is served between 11 am and noon, followed by evening tea at 3 pm and dinner at around 6 pm. On the evening she entered jail, officials said she was “served kadhi, pakoras and rotis”.

An official said, “Giribala Singh also has canteen facilities available, and eats toast, fruits and namkeen. She has also asked for permission to read newspapers in jail, and this has been granted.”

Twisha Sharma, who was an actor and model, married Samarth Singh on December 9, 2025. She died less than six months later, and the case has garnered widespread public attention. The investigation was eventually transferred to the CBI following allegations of a shoddy probe by Bhopal police.