The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has ramped up its investigation into the serious allegations that adulterated ghee, possibly containing animal fat, was used in the preparation of the sacred Tirumala Srivari Laddus at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple. These laddus, considered a holy prasadam distributed to millions of devotees, have sparked concerns about their sanctity following claims that adulterated ghee was supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The SIT, led by Guntur Range IG Sarvashresth Tripathi, initiated the probe after the case was registered as 470/24 at the Tirupati East Police Station on Sunday. The 9-member team, which includes key officials like DIG Gopinath Jatti, Kadapa SP Harshavardhan Raju, and Additional SP Venkat Rao, is currently investigating the quality of the ghee supplied by AR Dairy Foods Pvt. Ltd, a Tamil Nadu-based company.
IG Tripathi mentioned, “We will thoroughly investigate every aspect, from the procurement process to the tendering procedures followed by the TTD, as well as the quality control measures in place at the temple. Internal teams will be formed to examine each angle of the case to ensure a comprehensive probe.”
The SIT has already begun questioning key individuals involved in the tendering and procurement process. As part of their investigation, they met with TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao at his residence in Tirupati, where he briefed the team on the current status of the case. The EO also provided an official report on the ghee adulteration issue, which has been submitted to the state government.
Moreover, the team held discussions with TTD procurement officials to gather vital information about the ghee procurement and distribution process. Allegations have surfaced that tender guidelines were altered during the YSRC term to favor specific suppliers, including AR Dairy, raising further questions about the integrity of the process.
The SIT, operating from the police guest house in Tirupati, is determined to uncover the truth behind these serious allegations. The findings from this investigation will be submitted to the government for further action.
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