SC Questions Manipur Govt Over Missing Audio Tape Evidence in Ethnic Riots Case

Image Source: Internet

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the Manipur government's handling of evidence in the ongoing ethnic riots case. In a petition filed by the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, the court has questioned why the entire audio tape containing allegations against former Chief Minister N Biren Singh was not sent for forensic examination. The audio tape, which is 48 minutes and 46 seconds long, allegedly reveals Singh's involvement in fuelling the ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. However, the government has only sent limited portions of the tape to the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) for analysis. The NFSU report has concluded that the clips sent for examination were 'tampered' and did not constitute the original source recording. The petitioner's advocate, Prashant Bhushan, has argued that the relevant portion of the tape is contained in the 48-minute clip, which has been tested and found to be genuine by a private forensic agency called Truth Lab. The court has sought a response from the government and has allowed them to file a response by January 7. This is the second time the court has sought a forensic probe of the tapes furnished by the petitioner. The ethnic riots in Manipur began in May 2023 and lasted for several months, claiming over 260 lives and displacing thousands. The violence led to Singh's resignation as Chief Minister in February 2025, and President's rule was imposed on the state. The case has raised concerns over the handling of evidence and the fairness of the ongoing investigation. The petitioner has argued that the selective transmission of material by the government raises serious concerns about their conduct and its impact on the investigation.