NEW DELHI, Feb 3: The Supreme Court of India on Monday has directed the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to submit a report on the authenticity of leaked audio tapes allegedly featuring Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, in which he is heard discussing his role in the state’s ethnic violence.

The tapes, which surfaced publicly last week, have sparked a major controversy. In the recordings, a voice purportedly belonging to Singh suggests that the ethnic violence in Manipur was instigated at his insistence. The revelation has caused an uproar, with political and social leaders demanding clarity regarding the authenticity of the tapes and the implications of their content.

In response to mounting public outrage, the Supreme Court took suo-motu cognizance of the issue and ordered the CFSL, India’s premier forensic body, to analyze the audio. The Court stressed the urgency of the matter, considering the gravity of the allegations and the potential consequences for public trust and governance. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized the seriousness of the case.

Manipur has been grappling with severe ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since earlier this year, which has resulted in numerous deaths and widespread displacement. The leaked tapes, if authentic, could further intensify criticism of the state government’s handling of the crisis and raise questions about the Chief Minister’s involvement in exacerbating the violence.

The petitioners in the case have demanded an independent inquiry and called for the Chief Minister to be held accountable if the tapes are proven genuine. They argue that the recordings, if authentic, would point to an abuse of power, further destabilizing the region.

In response to the controversy, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has denied the authenticity of the tapes, dismissing the claims as part of a political conspiracy. However, the Supreme Court’s intervention has spurred calls for greater transparency and accountability in the matter.

The CFSL has been instructed to complete its analysis and submit a report by the end of the week. A hearing date has been set for further proceedings. This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing political and social crisis in Manipur, with the nation closely watching the unfolding situation.