Poonam Nath

Manipur ethnic strife case: SC seeks forensic report on Biren Singh audio clips

Digital Desk: The Supreme Court has ordered a forensic report on audiotapes accusing Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's involvement in the state's ethnic violence, which has killed more than 200 people and displaced thousands since May 2023.

The order was issued after the Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar heard a case brought by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, which sought an independent probe into the audiotapes.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, stated that "Truth Labs" investigated the audiotapes and certified that Biren Singh's voice is over 93% real. Bhushan said that the Manipur chief minister could be heard claiming that he permitted Meitei gangs to pillage the state armory while shielding them from arrest.

The subject matter will be presented in the week beginning March 24.

Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, restated the state's opposition that the petitioner seek the High Court first.

The investigating agency has also contacted Twitter accounts for verification. The tapes have been forwarded for forensic assessment.

CJI Khanna asked regarding the tapes' substance and reliability, as well as the timing of SFL reports. SG confirmed that forensic reports can be created.

Bhushan stressed the reliability of the "Truth Labs" reports. "The bench directed that the matter be relisted on March 24, 2025, with audio clips forwarded to CFSL for inspection. The report will be produced in sealed cover," the bench stated in the order.