Twisha Sharma’s Family Demands a Second Autopsy Before Final Rites

When the school‑bus collision in Bhopal claimed the lives of several children, the city was already in shock. Among the victims was seven‑year‑old Twisha Sharma, whose parents have since become the focal point of a growing demand for clarity.

“We need to know exactly what happened,” says her mother, eyes rimmed with red from sleepless nights. The family has approached the district medical officer, requesting a second autopsy, arguing that the first post‑mortem report left too many unanswered questions.

The initial examination, conducted by the state’s forensic team, concluded that Twisha died from multiple blunt‑force injuries. Yet the parents point to inconsistencies – the placement of injuries, the timing of the impact, even the condition of the bus seats – that, in their view, merit a deeper look.

Local authorities have been tentative. While the chief medical officer acknowledged the family's right to a re‑examination, he cautioned that repeat autopsies are rare and must be justified with concrete evidence. Still, the court has granted a provisional order for a fresh forensic review, pending a detailed petition from the Sharma family.

Meanwhile, the community has rallied. Neighbors, teachers, and even strangers have gathered outside the family’s home, offering prayers, flowers, and words of support. “We stand with them,” says a fellow parent, “because every child’s life matters, and every question deserves an answer.”

For many, the push for a second autopsy isn’t just about medical detail; it’s about closure. The family wants to perform Twisha’s last rites only after they are certain about the cause of her death, a ritual that, in their culture, holds profound emotional significance.

Experts weigh in, noting that repeat autopsies, while uncommon, are not unheard of in high‑profile cases where families express doubts. “If there’s a legitimate concern about the first report, a second opinion can help restore trust,” explains Dr. Anita Mehra, a forensic specialist from Delhi.

As the legal process unfolds, the Sharma family remains hopeful yet weary. Their request highlights a broader conversation about transparency, accountability, and the emotional toll that such tragedies inflict on grieving parents.

In the coming days, Bhopal will watch closely – not just for the forensic findings, but for how the city supports those left behind. Whether the second autopsy will bring the answers the family seeks remains to be seen, but the collective resolve to honor Twisha’s memory is already evident across the streets of the capital.