Reward on arrest of Twisha Sharma’s absconding husband raised to Rs 30,000

BHOPAL: Bhopal police commissioner Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday raised the reward on information leading to the arrest of Twisha Sharma’s absconding lawyer husband Samarth Singh from earlier Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000.

The commissioner confirmed that police have found evidence suggesting harassment of Twisha by Samarth Singh, who remains absconding. Police have already initiated proceedings for issuance of a lookout notice against him.

Responding to allegations by Twisha’s family regarding delay in the registration of the FIR, the police commissioner denied any laxity. “Compared to similar cases, police acted swiftly in conducting the inquiry and registering the FIR,” he said. He added that statements of Twisha’s family members had been recorded and evidence was being collected on the basis of those statements.

On the family’s demand for a second post-mortem, Kumar said police have no objection to it and the matter now rests with the court. “Second post-mortem can only be ordered by the court. Police have already assured the family of full cooperation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and sought a report from the Madhya Pradesh chief secretary and director general of police in seven days on the action taken in the high-profile case.

The commission has sought details regarding sections invoked in the FIR, efforts to arrest Samarth Singh, action for passport impoundment, and progress made regarding CCTV footage, call detail records and forensic evidence. The NCW has also directed authorities to ensure protection to Twisha’s family from any kind of threat or pressure.