Truth in Focus: Truth Lab’s forensic report on the Biren Singh audio clip claims a 93% voice match, raising questions that cannot be ignored.
BY Navin Upadhyay
When luminaries like former Chief Justice of India M.N. Venkatachaliah and renowned police reformist Prakash Singh are associated with an organization, its credibility naturally outweighs any rival in the field. This is precisely the case with Truth Labs, India’s first independent forensic science laboratory, which has recently been in the spotlight for conducting a forensic analysis of an audio clip purportedly involving Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh.
The report, which concluded that the voice sample in the clip matches Biren Singh’s voice with 93 percent accuracy, has sparked widespread discussions. However, the involvement of such distinguished figures on Truth Labs’ advisory panel lends irrefutable weight to the findings. The lab’s team also includes former judges, top forensic experts, and veteran police officials, whose combined expertise ensures that their evaluations meet the highest standards of forensic rigor and impartiality.
With a track record of handling high-profile and politically sensitive cases, Truth Labs’ work has often been regarded as a gold standard in forensic investigations. In the case of the Biren Singh audio controversy, the integrity of its report—backed by experts with decades of experience in law enforcement, justice, and forensic science—makes it a crucial element that cannot be brushed aside in the ongoing debate
The Supreme Court has sought a forensic report on leaked audio tapes implicating CM Biren Singh in Manipur’s violence, while Truth Labs has already confirmed with 93% certainty that the voice is his. The evidence is mounting, Biren is responsible for ethnic strife in the state. pic.twitter.com/EkKB58pHwr
— Alice Ngaipilhing (@haokip_alice) February 3, 2025
Founded in 2007 by Dr. Gandhi P.C. Kaza, former Inspector General of Police and Director of Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratories, Truth Labs is India’s first independent, non-profit forensic science laboratory. Established with the mission to provide impartial and scientifically accurate forensic services, the institution has become a trusted name for judicial, law enforcement, and private entities.
With a history of handling over 25,000 cases across India and neighboring countries, Truth Labs is recognized for its credibility, expertise, and commitment to justice. It aims to bridge the gap between forensic evidence requirements and existing laboratory capabilities.
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Composition of Truth Labs
Truth Labs is structured around a multidisciplinary team of experts specializing in diverse forensic fields, such as handwriting analysis, document examination, forensic psychology, ballistics, DNA fingerprinting, and digital forensics. The institution operates from five regional centers located in Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Key Departments and Disciplines:
• Document and Handwriting Analysis: Specializes in the verification of signatures, counterfeit documents, and handwriting.
• Forensic Psychology: Expert services for psychological profiling and behavioral assessments.
• Ballistics and Firearm Analysis: Investigation of firearm-related evidence.
• Digital Forensics: Retrieval and analysis of electronic evidence from digital devices.
• DNA Fingerprinting: Genetic analysis for paternity, criminal investigations, and identity verification.
Notable Experts on Board:
• Dr. Gandhi P.C. Kaza: Founder and former head of Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory.
• Dr. Gopalji Mishra: Former Director, Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory.
• Mr. Narinder Singh: Former Government Examiner of Questioned Documents, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Dr. K.V. Rao: Renowned expert in forensic toxicology.
The diverse team consists of over 50 specialists, many of whom are retired forensic scientists from government agencies, as well as young professionals with specialized training.
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3. Advisory Board and Credibility Truth Labs’ credibility is fortified by its esteemed advisory board, comprising retired judges, former police officials, and legal luminaries who provide strategic oversight and ensure adherence to ethical standards.
Prominent Members of the Advisory Board:
• Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah: Former Chief Justice of India.
• Justice M. Jagannadha Rao: Former Chairman of the Law Commission of India.
• Mr. Prakash Singh: Former Director-General of Police, Uttar Pradesh.
• Mr. K. Madhava Rao: Former Chief Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Their association with Truth Labs underscores the institution’s commitment to maintaining objectivity, impartiality, and high professional standards.
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Achievements and Milestones
Over the years, Truth Labs has earned a reputation for solving complex and high-profile cases, where traditional forensic services either fell short or were unavailable.
Case Portfolio:
• Nithari Child Murders: Truth Labs provided critical forensic insights that contributed to the resolution of the case.
• Cash-on-Camera Scam: Assisted in verifying the authenticity of video evidence.
• Corporate Fraud Investigations: Played a pivotal role in uncovering document forgery and financial discrepancies.
• Civil Disputes: Provided forensic evidence in numerous property and inheritance disputes.
• Cybercrimes: Successfully investigated cases involving digital evidence retrieval and analysis.
The lab’s clientele includes courts, police departments, law enforcement agencies, corporate firms, insurance companies, and private individuals.
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Case Statistics and Performance Metrics
Truth Labs has processed over 25,000 cases since its inception, with a remarkable success rate in providing conclusive forensic evidence.
Case Breakdown:
• Document Analysis: 40% of total cases
• Cyber Forensics: 20% of total cases
• Forensic Psychology: 15% of total cases
• Ballistics and DNA Analysis: 25% of total cases
Judicial Impact:
Reports from Truth Labs have been instrumental in obtaining convictions in several criminal cases and have also aided in numerous acquittals where accused individuals were wrongly implicated.
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Training and Capacity Building
Truth Labs is also involved in capacity-building initiatives to strengthen forensic capabilities in India. It conducts training sessions and workshops for:
• Police officers and investigators
• Judicial officers
• Corporate security professionals
• Law students and forensic science scholars
These initiatives are aimed at promoting a better understanding of forensic science and its application in the justice system.
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Ethical Standards and Impartiality
Truth Labs operates with a strong ethical framework. It adheres to the following principles:
• Impartiality: Ensures unbiased analysis and reporting.
• Confidentiality: Maintains the privacy and security of case information.
• Scientific Accuracy: Upholds the highest standards in forensic testing and analysis.
• Transparency: Provides clear and detailed forensic reports that can withstand legal scrutiny.
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International Collaborations and Recognition
Truth Labs has received recognition from international forensic bodies and has collaborated with global organizations to stay updated with the latest advancements in forensic science. It has also provided expert services for cross-border cases involving Indian nationals.
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Challenges and the Way Forward
Challenges Faced:
• Resource Constraints: Limited funding compared to government-run forensic labs.
• Case Backlogs: High demand for forensic services sometimes leads to delays.
• Awareness: Limited public and legal awareness about the role of independent forensic labs.
Future Goals:
• Expansion of regional centers to provide faster and more accessible services.
• Investment in advanced forensic technologies.
• Continued training and capacity-building initiatives.
Truth Labs has emerged as a beacon of credibility and expertise in the field of forensic science in India. Its commitment to delivering impartial and scientifically accurate forensic services has made it an invaluable asset to the justice system. With its distinguished team of experts, robust advisory board, and extensive case portfolio, Truth Labs continues to set benchmarks in forensic investigation and stands as a testament to the power of independent forensic science in promoting justice and truth.
