Rats Found on Siddhivinayak Prasad: As the controversy surrounding Tirupati laddus continues, a video allegedly showing mice on the prasad packets of Siddhivinayak Temple has surfaced on social media, raising concerns. In response, the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust (SSGT) has denied the claims and announced that it is conducting an investigation into the issue.
Shiv Sena leader and SSGT chairperson Sada Sarvankar told PTI that each day lakhs of laddus are distributed and the place where they are prepared is clean. “The video shows a dirty place. I can see it is not of the temple and has been shot somewhere outside,” he said. The alleged video depicts mice on damaged packets of laddus placed in a blue tray.
“We will check the CCTV, and an officer of DCP rank will be appointed to conduct an inquiry. Action will be taken against whoever is found guilty,” Sarvankar said. He stated that the temple takes all necessary measures to ensure the prasad is prepared in a hygienic environment.
“Ghee, cashew and other ingredients are first sent for testing at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s lab and used after approval,” he said, adding that even water is tested at the lab.
(With PTI inputs)