Manipur: Senior journalist Laba Yambem denies responsibility in controversial leaked audio clip of former cop Brinda

Laba Yambem has broken his silence on the recent controversy surrounding the leaked audio clip of a telephonic conversation with former Manipur police officer Thounaojam Brinda on October 3, 2023. Yambem vehemently denied any involvement in recording or leaking the controversial audio and raised questions about the tapping of either his or Brinda's phone due to their shared criticism of the state.

In a facebook video, Yambem asserted, "It was definitely not me who had recorded and leaked the audio clip. I do not know as to whether it was my phone or hers which was tapped as both of us have been critical of the State. But we are not going to remain silent and will unearth the truth and the guilty person exposed."

Earlier on December 18, Thounaojam Brinda held a press conference at her residence to address the public concern surrounding viral audio files. Brinda clarified that an incomplete audio recording of her speech from a personal meeting had sparked outrage, leading her to issue apologies as allegedly instructed by individuals named Arambai Tengol and Meitei Leepun.

Adding to the complexity, Brinda revealed the emergence of another audio file on the night of December 13 and December 14. This audio featured a personal conversation with her uncle on October 3, the same day as the conversation with Laba Yambem. Brinda expressed her willingness to retract her statements, stating, "Like before, I would like to withdraw my words expressed in the recent viral audio."