Representative image NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a full forensic examination of a controversial 48-minute audio recording that allegedly shows former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s involvement in the 2023 ethnic violence. The court directed the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar to analyze both the complete audio and Singh’s admitted voice samples, with results to be submitted in a sealed cover, as reported by PTI.“The entire 48 minutes of the conversation in question along with the admitted voice recordings of the former Manipur CM are available… All the voice recordings furnished to the respondents by the learned counsel for the petitioner shall also be included therewith and forwarded to the National Forensic Science University Gandhinagar,” ordered the bench ordered.The case, which has been listed about 10 times, gained new momentum when lawyer Prashant Bhushan, representing the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) Trust, presented the complete transcript. The state government, through Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, only recently received the full recording.This fresh examination comes after earlier controversy when the NFSU initially gave a clean chit, claiming the audio clips were tampered with. The court had expressed concern in December that only selected portions were previously analysed instead of the complete recording.The petition alleges that Biren Singh played a key role in violence against the Kuki-Zo community. According to lawyer Bhushan, the recorded conversation suggests state machinery’s involvement in the ethnic clashes that killed over 260 people and displaced thousands since May 2023.The violence erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protested the Manipur High Court’s order on Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Singh, who resigned as chief minister in February 2024 amid political pressure, is accused by KOHUR of orchestrating violence against Kuki-dominated areas.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Clears Russia Sanctions Bill, 500% Tariff Threat Looms As India Reworks Oil Import Strategy‘India Outperforming Emerging Markets’: Economist On India’s 7.4% FY26 GDP Growth Estimates’Most Room To Grow Today’: Jaishankar Pushes Stronger EU-India Ties, Hails Partnership With FranceImran Khan’s Family Stages Prayer Protest After Being Barred From Meeting Him At Adiala JailImran Khan’s Sister Aleema, PTI Members Hold Prayers Outside Adiala Jail After Meet DeniedTharoor Flags UN Charter Violations, Voices Concern Over US Action In VenezuelaUS Issues Blunt Warning To Indian Students: Breaking Laws May Cost Visas, Careers And Future DreamsCongress-BJP Tie-Up Claims In Ambernath Create Rift, Put Mahayuti Alliance Under Fresh Strain“Worst Kind of Discrimination in PoJK”: UKPNP Chairman Flags Deepening CrisisNo Compromise On Terror: PM Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu Reaffirm India Israel Strategic Partnership123Photostories’Toxic’ star Yash birthday special: Lesser-known facts about 40 year old Rocking StarHow to make high-protein Beetroot Paneer Dosa for breakfastHow to grow spinach in winterAkshay Kumar–Priyadarshan to Shahid Kapoor–Vishal Bhardwaj: Why 2026 is all about Bollywood’s trusted collaborations7 animals that build amazing homes5 Tamil romantic thrillers to binge on OTT5 signs of emotionally unavailable partnersFrom films to music, the lesser known sides of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ director Farhan Akhtar9 mistakes to avoid while making biryani at homeWinter Special: How to make traditional Besan Ka Sheera at home123Hot PicksMinneapolis Woman ShootMaharashtra civic pollsGold rate todayKanpur GangrapeCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingHaydn Fleury Net WorthTommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood Net WorthTravis KelceTaylor SwiftJimmie Johnson Net WorthEdward CabreraJamahal HillValentino Rossi and Francesca Sofia Novello Net WorthBrad Marchand Net WorthNHL Trade Rumor
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a full forensic examination of a controversial 48-minute audio recording that allegedly shows former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s involvement in the 2023 ethnic violence. The court directed the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar to analyze both the complete audio and Singh’s admitted voice samples, with results to be submitted in a sealed cover, as reported by PTI.“The entire 48 minutes of the conversation in question along with the admitted voice recordings of the former Manipur CM are available… All the voice recordings furnished to the respondents by the learned counsel for the petitioner shall also be included therewith and forwarded to the National Forensic Science University Gandhinagar,” ordered the bench ordered.The case, which has been listed about 10 times, gained new momentum when lawyer Prashant Bhushan, representing the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) Trust, presented the complete transcript. The state government, through Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, only recently received the full recording.This fresh examination comes after earlier controversy when the NFSU initially gave a clean chit, claiming the audio clips were tampered with. The court had expressed concern in December that only selected portions were previously analysed instead of the complete recording.The petition alleges that Biren Singh played a key role in violence against the Kuki-Zo community. According to lawyer Bhushan, the recorded conversation suggests state machinery’s involvement in the ethnic clashes that killed over 260 people and displaced thousands since May 2023.The violence erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protested the Manipur High Court’s order on Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Singh, who resigned as chief minister in February 2024 amid political pressure, is accused by KOHUR of orchestrating violence against Kuki-dominated areas.
