AP CM launches SIT to probe ghee adulteration at Tirumala temple | Fusion - WeRIndia

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe allegations of ghee adulteration at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Yesterday Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of the SIT.

This follows claims that the quality of ghee used for making the temple’s famous laddu prasadam had been compromised, with some samples reportedly containing animal fat.

Chandrababu Naidu pointed fingers at the previous YSRCP government, accusing them of altering the procurement procedures for ghee.

He criticized the YSRCP for lowering standards, reducing the required experience of suppliers from three years to one and lowering the minimum turnover from ₹250 crore to ₹150 crore.

He also raised concerns about the involvement of non-Hindus in TTD’s management, which was appointed under the previous regime.

Speaking to the media from his Undavalli residence, the CM emphasized the importance of protecting the public’s religious sentiments.

He said a special investigation team would be formed and led by an IG-level officer or above to investigate these irregularities.

He also assured that the government would take stringent actions to make sure such incidents would not occur in future.

The controversy intensified after TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao confirmed on September 20 that lab tests had revealed traces of animal fat and lard in some ghee samples.

As a result, the contractor responsible for supplying the adulterated ghee is in the process of being blacklisted.

To address the issue spiritually, Naidu announced a purification ceremony, Santhi Homam Panchagavya Prokshana, to be held today at the Srivari temple.

The ritual is aimed at cleansing the temple after the alleged desecration. It is performed from 6 am to 10 am at the Bangaru Bavi Yagashala.

The allegations surfaced after a letter from YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to light.

Naidu, however, dismissed this as a countermeasure to the ongoing controversy, vowing that no one has the right to tamper with people’s faith.

Image Credit: Thamizhpparithi Maari, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Tirupathi_laddu.jpg