The father of former model and actress Twisha Sharma is demanding a second autopsy after alleging his daughter was murdered in Noida [1].
The case has drawn attention to potential inconsistencies in forensic reporting and the ongoing issue of dowry-related harassment in India. The family's push for an independent investigation suggests a lack of confidence in the initial police findings.
Sharma, who was 33 years old [3], had worked as a model and appeared in two films [3]. Her death occurred in May 2024 [2], and the case remains a point of contention between the family and investigators. Her father has staged protests outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Lucknow to bring attention to the case [1].
"She was killed," the father said in a video interview with NDTV [1]. He said that the death was motivated by threats and harassment related to dowry [1]. The family points to specific gaps in the medical record to support their claims of foul play.
According to reports, the first post-mortem findings contained inconsistencies that the family believes hint at a crime [2]. The Bollywood Shaadis editorial team said that key evidence is missing from the post-mortem [4]. Because of these omissions, the family is requesting a new autopsy to ensure all physical evidence is properly documented.
Colleagues of the actress have described her as a vibrant person. A Telugu movie co-star said, "She was full of life" [3]. The contrast between her public persona and the circumstances of her death has fueled the family's demand for transparency.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have not yet granted the request for a second autopsy. The father continues to call for an independent probe to bypass potential bias in the current investigation [1].
“"She was killed"”
This case highlights the systemic tension between grieving families and law enforcement in India regarding suspicious deaths. The demand for a second autopsy and an independent probe reflects a broader distrust in local forensic processes, particularly in cases where dowry harassment is alleged, which often complicates the legal determination of suicide versus homicide.
