GUWAHATI:
A Manipur Congress leader has sought security from the State government after rumours on social media platforms linked him to the ‘audio tapes’ case allegedly involving former Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh.
Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, also an advocate at the High Court of Manipur, petitioned Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh for protection, as “any form of rumour and fake news can potentially lead to mob violence” in a State that is already in turmoil.
He asserted he has not been involved in the ‘audio tapes’ case being heard in the Supreme Court. “I have not signed any vakalatnama (legal document authorising a lawyer to represent a client) on behalf of either the petitioner or the respondent,” he said on Friday (April 18, 2025).
Mr. Meitei, an executive panel member of the All India Congress Committee’s department of law, said some people with vested interests have been spreading rumours to tarnish his image and that of the party.
He requested the Governor and others “to immediately curb the spread of rumours and fake news falsely linking my name in an unconnected case…”. He said such rumours have threatened his life and property.
The Centre on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that the forensic report on the authenticity of the audio tapes was ready and would be filed in a sealed cover.
A person is allegedly heard in the tapes claiming responsibility for the ethnic violence in the State.
