SIT suspends Tirupati Laddu investigation amid SC proceedings

Amaravati: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to look into the allegations of ‘adulteration’ of Tirupati Laddus with animal fats will temporarily pause its probe as the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court, said DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao.

Over the last two days, the SIT, formed by the Andhra Pradesh State government, has probed the procurement and sampling processes, trying to understand the process and the possibility of adulteration in the laddus.

‘Gods should be kept away from politics’

Observing that Gods should be kept away from politics, the Supreme Court on Monday sought to know the proof that confirmed that contaminated ghee was used in making Tirupati Laddus.

“First, they (SIT) have to understand the process, study it and take all the information. However, in the meantime, an order has come from the Supreme Court and in line with that we have stopped it (probe),” the DGP said while speaking to reporters.

When the case is being examined under the purview of the apex court, it is not appropriate to talk more, he said, hinting at the next hearing of the case in the Supreme Court on October 3.

The top court was hearing a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati Laddus. About five petitions have been filed so far seeking relief, including a court-monitored probe into the allegations and more accountability in Hindu temples managed by government bodies.

Supreme Court questioned CM

The court questioned the propriety of the chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu making such statements when the matter was under investigation.

“When you ordered an investigation through the SIT, what was the necessity to go to the press? When you hold a Constitutional office... we expect the Gods to be kept away from the politicians. You get the report in July and on September 18 you go public. Unless you are sure, how did you go public?” Justice Gavai asked the State

CM Chandrababu Naidu claimed earlier this month that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati Laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the State, triggering a massive political row.

The lab report in the center of the row

A report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) lab at Gujarat’s National Dairy Development Board indicated the ghee contained traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (a semi-solid white fat product obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of a pig). The sample receipt date was July 9, 2024, and the lab report was dated July 16.