Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday to probe allegations regarding the adulteration of Tirupati Prasadam, specifically the famed laddus offered at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple.
“We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated,” Naidu said.
The Chief Minister emphasised a multi-faceted approach to the issue, stating, “I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples.”
In response to opposition leader Jagan Mohan Reddy’s accusations of diversion tactics amid unfulfilled promises, Naidu retorted, “What nonsense he (Jagan Mohan Reddy) is talking. Not even 100 days we have in government. You tell the policies, criticise my policy, and I’ll answer what you have done, what I have done. But, you wanted to divert, but if you do so, more and more sentiments will hurt.”
Earlier on Sunday, Congress leader Pawan Khera joined the chorus for accountability, urging a fast-track inquiry into the alleged use of ‘animal fat’ in the prasadam.
“It is very surprising that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Executive Officer, appointed by Chandrababu Naidu’s government, contradicts the claims of adulteration in the prasadam. This kind of atmosphere is bad for the faith of crores of devotees. A fast-track inquiry should take place and the strictest punishment to the guilty must be meted out,” Khera told ANI.
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The controversy escalated when Advocate K Karuna Sagar accused the previous YSRCP government of using ‘animal fat’ in the preparation of the laddus, describing it as an attack on Hindu sentiments. “The lab reports confirming that the low-quality ghee used in making the Laddu Prasadam contained beef, pork, and fish oil. This is an attack on Hindu sentiments… This is a conspiracy,” he declared.
Naidu has sparked political tension by alleging that the ghee used in the preparation of the prasadam contained animal fat during the previous YSRCP administration. The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, a revered Hindu shrine, is located in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district.
The SIT’s findings are anticipated to address the concerns of millions of devotees and restore faith in the sanctity of the renowned prasadam.