Manipur CM Biren Singh (image: facebook.com/NongthombamBirensingh)

Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday (February 3), sought a forensic report on the audio tapes allegedly featuring Manipur chief minister Biren Singh promoting ethnic violence in the state. The forensic lab report of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) has to submit the report in a sealed cover.

While hearing a petition filed by the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar passed the order. The organisation has sought an independent investigation into the audio tapes and the matter is likely to take up on March 24.

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Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner stated that the audio tapes were examined by “Truth Labs”, which confirmed that over 93 percent of the voice belongs to Biren Singh.

Bhushan claimed that in the tapes, the Chief minister could be heard saying that he allowed Meitei groups to loot the state armoury and that he ensured their protection from arrest. The CM’s comments were “unfortunately” recorded by a person who was present in the closed-door meeting, and later leaked. Bhushan stressed it as a “serious issue” ” showing the Chief Minister instigating and abetting ethnic violence.

Meanwhile, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State argued that the petitioner should first approach the high court. He said that an FIR was lodged regarding the matter and an investigation is progressing. The tapes have been sent for forensic examination.

Mehta accused the petitioner of carrying certain “ideological baggage” and having a separatist mindset.

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“I have not gone into the contents and veracity of the recordings, when will SFL reports come?,” CJI Khanna asked. The Solicitor General then responded that the forensic reports could be produced at a later stage.

Bhushan, meanwhile, said that the report of the ‘Truth Labs’ carries more credibility than any government agencies’ report.