Twisha Sharma’s Body Stored at -4°C for Seven Days Despite Need for Much Lower Preservation Temperature

The family of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma has accused authorities in Bhopal of mishandling her body after it was reportedly kept for seven days in storage at -4°C despite forensic experts stating the remains required preservation at a much lower temperature to prevent decomposition during an ongoing legal dispute over a second post-mortem examination. (The Times of India)

According to family members and reports from local media, police informed relatives this week that Sharma’s body had begun decomposing because it was being stored in a standard mortuary freezer rather than a specialized ultra-low-temperature facility capable of maintaining temperatures near -80°C. (The Times of India)

The case has intensified public scrutiny over the handling of forensic evidence and mortuary infrastructure in India, particularly in sensitive cases where legal proceedings depend on preserving remains for further examination. (The Times of India)

Family Seeking Second Post-Mortem Examination

Twisha Sharma’s family has been demanding a second autopsy after raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death. Relatives have alleged inconsistencies in the initial post-mortem findings and said they were pursuing additional forensic review before accepting custody of the body. (The Times of India)

However, the family now says the prolonged storage under allegedly improper conditions may compromise further forensic analysis.

According to the Times of India report, police officials urged the family to take custody of the remains because decomposition had reportedly accelerated while the body remained in cold storage. (The Times of India)

The family has accused authorities of negligence, arguing that officials were aware a second examination was being sought and should have ensured proper preservation procedures were followed. (The Times of India)

Questions Raised Over Preservation Standards

Forensic specialists note that ordinary mortuary refrigeration systems generally operate between 2°C and -4°C to temporarily slow decomposition, but longer-term preservation for highly sensitive forensic cases may require significantly colder temperatures. (The Times of India)

Ultra-low freezers capable of reaching temperatures around -80°C are commonly used in advanced forensic, medical research, and tissue preservation environments because they substantially reduce biological degradation.

Experts say decomposition can continue even under standard mortuary refrigeration, especially when storage extends over several days. The extent of tissue deterioration may complicate later forensic testing depending on the condition of the remains and environmental factors.

Authorities have not publicly clarified why ultra-low-temperature storage was unavailable or whether such facilities existed within the jurisdiction handling the case. (The Times of India)

Police and Officials Face Criticism

The controversy has triggered criticism on social media and among legal observers, with questions emerging about whether evidence preservation protocols were adequately followed.

Family members reportedly said they felt pressured to accept the body despite unresolved concerns surrounding the death investigation. (The Times of India)

Police officials have not publicly commented in detail on the preservation dispute, though local reports indicated authorities acknowledged decomposition concerns while requesting the family proceed with final rites. (The Times of India)

The case has also renewed broader debate over India’s forensic infrastructure, including shortages of advanced storage facilities, overcrowded mortuaries, and delays in medico-legal procedures in some regions.

Investigation Continues

As of Wednesday, no final legal resolution had been announced regarding the family’s request for a second post-mortem examination.

It remains unclear whether additional forensic review will still be possible given the reported condition of the remains. Legal experts say courts may need to determine whether preservation failures affected the integrity of potential evidence.

The case continues to draw significant attention in Madhya Pradesh amid growing calls for transparency in the investigation and accountability over the handling of the body. (The Times of India)