Manipur Congress leader denies role in Supreme Court audio tape case

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee senior spokesman Ningombam Bhupenda Meitei has strongly rejected the claim of his involvement with the hearing on the alleged audio tape leak case held at the Supreme Court yesterday. 

He termed the incident as an attempt to keep his life and property at risk by spreading false news or information. 

Speaking to media persons at his residence today, Bhupenda said that yesterday an information was circulated in social media by some people with a claim that he is acting as a counsel of the alleged audio tape leak case. Such news is completely wrong and unacceptable which he considers it as an act to malign his image by some group of people for vested interest. 

“As an Advocate, I’m not offering my service as counsel for either the petitioner or the respondent in the particular case”, he clarified and further said that he never signed on the wakalatnama of the case.

The MPCC senior spokesman expressed his strong suspicion that BJP and its allies were behind the outrageous social media post.  

While informing about his presence of Supreme court hearing of alleged audio tape leakage, he said that the court proceeding is open to anyone as anybody can join through video conference. But it would be quite wrong to say that he is a counsel of either of the two parties. 

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Bhupenda said that Manipur is already in a fragile condition. There have been several instances of death and loss of property due to the circulation of such false propaganda and allegations. Amidst this situation, spreading rumour by falsely linking his name in an unconnected case of an alleged audio tape in the Supreme Court of India is unfortunate. 
He further said that concerning his safety and security, urgent letter was submitted to governor, DGP and chief secretary to immediately curb the spreading of false information. Above this, he also sought security to protect his life and property. 

Bhupenda also draws an attention from authority concerned to take up appropriate measure to stop fake news or spreading of rumours. 

“Any form of rumour and fake news can potentially lead to mob violence in an already troubled state of Manipur. The State must prevent the spread of rumour and stop fake news on social media, in the larger interest of society, in order to proactively ensure an environment of peace and fearlessness without intimidation in the minds of the people of Manipur. Under the President's Rule, I am confident that, through the Governor of Manipur, the Rule of Law will prevail, and all the citizens of our country and persons and their properties will be protected under the constitution,” he urged.