SC orders forensic probe into audio tapes alleging Manipur CM’s role in ethnic violence

Top court directs CFSL to verify audio recordings allegedly featuring Chief Minister Biren Singh inciting violence; report to be submitted in a sealed envelope.

The Supreme Court of India on Monday ordered a forensic analysis of audio recordings allegedly implicating Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in inciting ethnic violence in the state. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) has been tasked with examining the tapes and submitting its report in a sealed envelope.

Supreme Court’s Directive

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar issued the order in response to a writ petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust. The petitioner has called for an independent investigation into the alleged audio tapes, which reportedly contain incriminating statements by Biren Singh.

The case is scheduled for its next hearing in the week beginning March 24.

What’s in the Alleged Audio Recordings?

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, cited an analysis conducted by Truth Labs, which allegedly confirmed with 93% certainty that the voice in the recordings belongs to Biren Singh.

According to Bhushan, the tapes allegedly capture Singh admitting that he allowed Meitei groups to loot state armories and ensured their protection from arrest. The statements were reportedly recorded by someone present at a private meeting, and later leaked online.

Describing the revelations as “extremely serious,” Bhushan argued that the tapes indicate the chief minister’s direct involvement in fueling ethnic violence in Manipur.

Government’s Response & Ongoing Investigation
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Manipur, countered the claims by asserting that the petitioner should have first approached the high court instead of the Supreme Court.

Mehta also informed the court that:

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered regarding the tapes.

The investigating agency is verifying social media accounts that uploaded the recordings.

The audio tapes have been sent for forensic examination.

Background: Manipur Ethnic Violence

Manipur has been gripped by ethnic conflict since May 2023, when violence erupted between the Meitei community and Kuki-Zo tribal groups. The clashes were triggered by a court ruling favoring Meitei demands for Scheduled Tribe status.

Over 221 people have been killed since the violence began.

Approximately 60,000 people displaced as of May 2024.

Nearly 4,800 homes and hundreds of religious structures have been torched.

With tensions still high, the Supreme Court’s directive on forensic verification of the tapes could have significant legal and political implications