The investigation into the alleged adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus has taken a significant turn, as the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to halt the ongoing probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) until the Supreme Court's next hearing on October 3. This development followed a strong reprimand from the Supreme Court, which raised several questions about the state government's decision to publicly announce claims of animal fat being used in the laddus without concrete proof. The court expressed concern over the sensitivity of the issue, given the religious importance of Tirupati laddus, which are considered sacred prasadam by millions of devotees who visit the Tirumala temple each year.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's claim that adulterants such as beef tallow, lard (pig fat), and fish oil were present in the ghee used for the laddus during the tenure of the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government sparked widespread controversy. Naidu cited a lab report to back his allegations, accusing the administration under former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy of compromising the sanctity of the prasadam. However, Reddy and his party firmly denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated and without basis.
The Supreme Court's bench, led by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, criticized the Andhra Pradesh government for making these claims public prematurely, especially when there was no prima facie evidence to support the use of contaminated ghee in the laddu preparation. The bench pointed out that the lab report itself suggested that the ghee in question had not actually been used for making the laddus, and questioned the state’s rationale for going public with such explosive allegations before confirming the facts. The court urged caution, emphasizing that faith-based issues should not be tainted by politics, and suggested that the investigation could potentially be handed over to an independent agency to ensure transparency and fairness.
In light of the Supreme Court's remarks, Andhra Pradesh's Director General of Police, Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, announced the temporary suspension of the SIT probe, describing the move as a precautionary step aimed at preserving the integrity of the investigation. Rao stated that the SIT had already conducted preliminary inspections, including an examination of the flour mill in Tirumala where ghee is stored prior to being used in laddu preparation. Statements from several individuals were also recorded during the early stages of the probe. Despite these efforts, the investigation will remain on hold until the Supreme Court provides further directions.
The FIR in this case was filed on September 25, and the SIT was formed shortly after, on September 26, to investigate the allegations. The controversy has since drawn widespread attention, not only because of its religious implications but also due to the political rivalry between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Naidu, and the YSRCP. The case has become a flashpoint, with both parties accusing each other of undermining the sanctity of one of India’s most revered temples for political gain.
As the situation develops, the Supreme Court's next hearing on October 3 will be pivotal in determining the future course of the investigation and whether an independent agency will take over the probe. Meanwhile, the pause in the SIT's activities reflects the government's cautious approach in the face of mounting legal and public scrutiny. The controversy continues to dominate the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh, with faith, politics, and legal proceedings intertwining in this sensitive and high-profile case.
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