New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of reports regarding the suspicious death of a 33-year-old Noida woman in Bhopal within five months of marriage.
It sought a detailed action taken report ((ATR) from the Madhya Pradesh government within seven days.
Twisha Sharma was found dead on the night of May 12 at her marital home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area. Police registered an FIR, charging her husband, advocate Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, with dowry death and harassment.
Police have announced a cash reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the husband, who has been absconding.
"The NCW has taken suo motu cognisance of extremely serious media reports regarding the suspicious death of Twisha, a resident of Noida, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh," the commission said in a post on X.
"According to media reports, Twisha died under suspicious circumstances just five months after her marriage. The victim's family levelled serious allegations against her husband, Samarth, and mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, of dowry harassment, mental, and physical torture," it said.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, directing them to ensure an immediate, fair and time-bound probe into the matter.
"The Commission has asked for a detailed ATR to be submitted within seven days," it said.
The Commission has also sought details regarding the FIR provisions, the accused status of arrest and interrogation, efforts to arrest absconding accused Samarth, passport impoundment status, CCTV footage, call records, electronic and forensic evidence, post-mortem report and action taken on any prior complaints.
It also directed authorities to ensure protection for the victim's family from threats, pressure or character assassination to facilitate a fair investigation.
Condemning the incident, the NCW said negligence or misuse of influence in cases related to dowry harassment and domestic violence against women would not be tolerated, and strict action must be taken against the guilty.
