Tirumala laddu adulteration case: AP Cabinet cites inconsistencies in SIT probe, orders inquiry commission

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday decided to constitute a Commission of Inquiry to identify the key conspirators behind the alleged adulteration of Tirumala laddu prasadam, citing serious inconsistencies in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and subsequent chargesheet.

The decision was taken after a marathon three-hour Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in which ministers set aside other agenda items to focus exclusively on the issue, underscoring its religious and public significance.

Inquiry commission to fix responsibility

The Cabinet maintained that even British rulers and the Nizam had not interfered with Tirumala’s sacred systems and asserted that the current coalition government is committed to restoring sanctity, accountability and public trust.

The proposed inquiry commission is expected to examine administrative lapses, procurement irregularities and alleged suppression of reports, and to identify those ultimately responsible for the adulteration of the revered prasadam.

Cabinet flags gaps in SIT findings

According to ministers, the Cabinet observed discrepancies between the SIT investigation, its findings submitted to the government, and the final chargesheet. Members questioned why certain facts recorded during the investigation were omitted from the chargesheet.

To establish the complete truth and fix accountability, the Cabinet resolved to appoint an independent inquiry commission to study all three components and present a factual report.

‘Shocking truths have emerged’: Finance Minister

Addressing the media after the meeting, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav said the Cabinet was ‘shocked’ by the revelations that emerged during discussions.

He alleged that despite being aware of adulteration in ghee used for Tirumala laddus, the previous YSRCP government remained silent. He claimed that a CFR (Central Food Research) report submitted in 2022 was deliberately suppressed and no corrective action was taken.

“Diluting norms and granting relaxations effectively opened the gates to illegalities. Since the violations were deliberate, everyone named in the report shares criminal responsibility,” the minister said.

Questions over tender process and ghee supply

Payyavula Keshav alleged large-scale irregularities in the tendering process for milk and ghee procurement. He said eligibility conditions required suppliers to collect at least four lakh litres of milk daily, but firms allegedly lacking even basic dairy credentials were allowed to participate using forged documents.

He also questioned how ghee could be produced without sufficient milk supply, calling for public debate on the issue. The inquiry commission, he said, would recommend action against all those found complicit.

Adulterants allegedly identified in lab reports

The Finance Minister stated that laboratory reports indicated the presence of animal fat, palm oil, fish oil and coconut oil in the laddus, and asserted that the Chief Minister had merely placed verified facts before the public.

As part of reforms at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), he said a new Executive Officer was appointed and ghee samples were forwarded to certified laboratories. He questioned why the 2022 findings were ignored instead of being rectified.

‘No politics, only transparency’: Ministers

Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar said the government’s actions were driven solely by the need for transparency and the protection of Lord Venkateswara’s sanctity, not political motives.

Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav went further, accusing the previous regime of ‘playing with devotees’ sentiments for the Rs 250-crore scam’ and alleged that their actions had harmed the foundations of Hindu dharma.