Twisha Sharma, 33, was found dead at her in-laws’ residence in Bhopal on May 12.
The case has since triggered widespread attention due to allegations of dowry harassment, evidence tampering and questions surrounding the circumstances of her death.
A three-member CBI team arrived at Giribala Singh’s residence on Thursday morning and questioned her as part of the ongoing investigation before taking her into custody.
Sources said the agency also conducted digital mapping of the property during the visit as investigators continued examining the crime scene and surrounding evidence.
The arrest came only hours after the Madhya Pradesh High Court set aside the anticipatory bail earlier granted to Singh by a sessions court on May 15.
The CBI, which formally took over the probe earlier this week, is also planning to establish a temporary camp office in Bhopal.
Sources said the agency has written to the city police commissioner requesting office space and a secure facility for storing case-related documents and evidence.
High Court quashes anticipatory bail
In a detailed 17-page order, Justice Devnarayan Mishra observed that the factual aspects of the case and the allegations against Giribala Singh justified cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted earlier.
The High Court order came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the prosecution, argued that the circumstances under which anticipatory bail had been granted raised concerns about whether the trial court had properly considered all relevant factors.
Following the court’s decision, lawyers representing Twisha Sharma’s family described the development as a significant moment in the investigation.
Allegations of evidence tampering surface
During the hearing, counsel representing Twisha Sharma’s family alleged that the former judge had attempted to influence the investigation and tamper with evidence.
According to submissions before the court, CCTV footage from the house had been seized by police on May 13.
However, prosecutors alleged that selective clips from the footage were later circulated on social media in an attempt to shape public perception surrounding the case.
The prosecution also claimed that Giribala Singh used her legal knowledge and experience to interfere with the crime scene and influence the investigation process.
Twisha’s counsel further told the court that she had allegedly faced severe emotional distress inside her marital home.
The CBI informed the High Court that the custodial interrogation of Giribala Singh was necessary because investigators believed critical evidence and circumstances still required examination.
The agency claimed Twisha Sharma had suffered injuries on her wrists and elbows, and alleged that her in-laws had not provided any satisfactory explanation regarding those injuries.
Investigators also referred to WhatsApp chats recovered during the probe.
According to the CBI, the messages indicated that Giribala Singh and Twisha’s husband, Samarth Singh, had questioned her character after learning about her pregnancy.
The agency further alleged that Twisha was later forced to terminate the pregnancy following accusations that the child belonged to another individual.
Husband already in CBI custody
A Bhopal court on Wednesday had sent Samarth Singh to CBI custody as part of the expanding investigation.
Following the court order, investigators took him to the Katara Hills residence for further questioning and reconstruction of events linked to the case.
The CBI officially took over the probe on Monday and subsequently re-registered the FIR earlier filed by Madhya Pradesh Police, naming both Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh as accused.
The agency continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Twisha Sharma’s death while examining allegations of dowry harassment, intimidation and destruction of evidence.