New Delhi/Bhopal, May 22 (IANS) The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Friday suspended advocate Samarth Singh’s licence to practise law with immediate effect in connection with the Twisha Sharma death case, which has triggered widespread attention in Madhya Pradesh.

The order was issued by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, who said Samarth Singh’s alleged involvement in the case and his conduct during the investigation prompted the action.

Speaking to IANS in New Delhi, Mishra said: “We have suspended his licence. Her husband Samarth Singh has a role in her murder. This is proved in investigation prima facie. There are allegations and, on top of that, he was also not cooperating in the investigation and was absconding.”

He added that the legal profession could not permit such persons to continue practising until they are cleared during trial proceedings.

Calling the matter serious and sensitive, Mishra said influential people were involved in the case, which could impact witnesses and evidence collection.

“His mother is a District Judge. These are very influential people, so witnesses will not come forward easily. There is a possibility of tampering with evidence,” he said.

Mishra also supported the Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying the move would help ensure a fair and comprehensive investigation into the incident and identify all those involved.

Samarth Singh, who had been absconding after the alleged suicide of his wife Twisha Sharma on May 12, was arrested by Bhopal police from the Jabalpur court premises on Friday after surrendering before a court.

Before his arrest, he withdrew his interim bail application before the principal bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

While disposing of the plea, the High Court laid down the procedure to be followed in such cases, observing that an accused fearing police torture may surrender before the trial court or the investigating officer, after which legal procedure must be followed.

In another major development, the High Court also ordered a second autopsy of Twisha Sharma’s body by a team from AIIMS Delhi after her family alleged lapses in the first post-mortem examination.

–IANS

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