 "Andhra govt launches SIT probe into alleged Tirupati laddoo adulteration")
The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate claims of adulteration involving the Tirupati laddoos, a traditional sweet associated with the Sri Venkateswara temple. Allegations suggest that animal fats were used in their preparation, raising significant concerns among Hindu devotees nationwide.
In a late-night order on Thursday, Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad confirmed the formation of the SIT, emphasising the government’s commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple.
During a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislative party last week, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) administration of compromising the integrity of these sacred offerings. He alleged that substandard ingredients were employed in the making of the laddoos, provoking outrage among millions of Hindus. On September 22, Naidu announced the establishment of the investigation team during an address at his residence in Undavalli, stating the necessity for a thorough inquiry into the alleged sacrilege.
The SIT will be led by Sarvashresth Tripathi, the Inspector General of Police for the Guntur range, and will include several other police officials. However, YSRCP leaders have voiced concerns regarding the objectivity of the investigation, suggesting that an inquiry overseen by an agency accountable to the chief minister may not suffice. They are advocating for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation to ensure impartiality.
P Sudhakar Reddy, a former additional advocate general, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the integrity of the investigation could be compromised if it were to be conducted by a team reporting directly to Naidu.
Temples demand reforms in food preparation
The controversy has not only ignited a political firestorm in Andhra Pradesh but has also sparked outrage from religious leaders in Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Mathura, who are calling for reforms in the preparation and distribution of prasad, or consecrated food offered to deities. Some have asked for policies to stop temple food from being prepared by external bodies.
In light of these allegations, the temple management has announced measures to ensure the purity of prasad served at the temple. Plans include conducting rigorous quality checks and potentially establishing dedicated facilities for prasad production to uphold the high standards expected by devotees.
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