Tirupati Laddu Row: Supreme Court Intervention and SIT Probe Halted

The controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of Tirupati laddus has taken a significant turn with the Supreme Court's intervention and the subsequent halt in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

Supreme Court's Directive

On September 30, the Supreme Court asked the Andhra Pradesh government to provide proof that contaminated ghee, allegedly containing animal fat, was used in the preparation of prasadam at the Tirumala temple. The court emphasized that there was no concrete evidence to support the claims of adulteration, which were based on complaints about the taste of the laddus.

Formation and Halt of SIT Probe

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, had formed a 9-member SIT to investigate the alleged adulteration of ghee used in making the Tirumala laddus. The SIT, headed by Guntur Range Inspector General of Police Sarvashresth Tripathi, was tasked with probing the procurement and use of adulterated ghee and other irregularities during the previous YSR Congress party's regime. However, the SIT's investigation has been paused until the next Supreme Court hearing on October 3.

Allegations and Denials

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of using substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the preparation of the laddus. A private laboratory report from Gujarat allegedly found 'beef tallow,' 'lard,' and 'fish oil' in the ghee samples. However, former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy denied these claims, labeling Naidu as a 'pathological and habitual liar'.

Sanctification Rituals

In response to the allegations, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to perform Shanti Homam and Panchagavya Prokshana rituals to sanctify the Tirumala temple premises and its surroundings. These rituals are part of efforts to uphold the sanctity and traditions of the temple.

Implications and Reactions

The controversy has sparked significant public and political reaction, with calls for ensuring the communal harmony and the sanctity of the temple. The government has also committed to preventing the induction of criminals or anti-social elements into temple boards and religious institutions.