Andhra DGP Confirms Temporary Halt to SIT Probe into Tirupati Laddus Adulteration

The SIT's investigation into the alleged adulteration of Tirupati Laddus has been temporarily halted due to a Supreme Court order. The DGP stated the probe will be paused while the court's directives are followed. The Supreme Court criticized political figures for making unverified public claims regarding the use of animal fat in Laddus, emphasizing the need to keep religious issues separate from politics. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan indicated that the government will continue its investigations into potential violations over the past five years.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the alleged adulteration of the famed Tirupati Laddus is temporarily stalled following an order from the Supreme Court, as confirmed by Andhra Pradesh DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao. On Monday, the SIT conducted inspections at a flour mill in Tirumala, where the ghee used for the Laddus is stored and tested prior to preparation.

The DGP stated, "First, they (SIT) have to understand the process, study it, and gather all information. However, we have halted the probe due to the Supreme Court's directive." The investigation was prompted by allegations from Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who claimed that animal fat had been used in the preparation of Laddus during the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy administration.

The Supreme Court has expressed concerns about intertwining religious sentiments with political allegations. The bench, led by Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, questioned Naidu’s public assertions and criticized the handling of the investigation, asking, "How did you go to the public with that?" The justices noted discrepancies in the investigation, highlighting that the ghee tested may have been rejected prior to the claims made.

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Further complicating matters, Andhra Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan remarked that the Supreme Court's comments did not outright dismiss the possibility of adulteration but pointed to confusion regarding the dates of the allegations. Kalyan added that the government will continue to investigate possible violations over the past five years, stressing that the issue extends beyond just the Laddus.