The Investigation’s Progress

The CBI SIT has already gathered preliminary information on the procurement process of goods in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), including details about the tender process and the manner in which the ghee is tested in labs. The CBI has joined forces with state-appointed officials, as per the orders of the Supreme Court, to investigate the allegations thoroughly.

The investigation has centered around Manish Pandey, a procurement official, who filed the initial case about the adulterated ghee. The SIT has conducted site inspections, including visits to the flour mill and lab testing facilities, to scrutinize the quality and origin of the ingredients used in the preparation of the laddus. The CBI has also sent a letter to TTD requesting the necessary facilities and space for the SIT to carry out their work effectively.

Key Findings: Adulterated Ghee

The findings, which include a disturbing report from the NDDB Calf, have revealed that the ghee used in the laddu preparation contained pork and beef fat along with fish oil. This discovery has caused a stir, especially as it concerns the purity of food offered as religious prasad, an issue that has deeply affected Hindu devotees worldwide.

SIT Formation and Investigation Team

The SIT comprises officers from both the state and central government. The Andhra Pradesh government proposed the names of senior officials, including Guntur Range IG Sarvashrestha Tripathi and Visakha Range DIG Gopinath Jetty, while the CBI appointed officials like Hyderabad Zone Joint Director Viresh Prabhu and FSSAI Advisor Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda to join the investigation. The SIT team is working under the supervision of the CBI Director and has already visited Tirupati and Tirumala to gather information.

Infrastructure and Resources for SIT

As the investigation progresses, the CBI has requested TTD to provide a dedicated office space for the SIT, with proper facilities for storing computers, printers, and other vital records. A room for video conferences and an appropriate guesthouse for the investigation team have also been requested to ensure smooth operations. Bhudevi Complex at Alipiri has been suggested as a suitable location for the SIT’s office.

Political Reactions and Public Sentiment

The Congress Party has voiced concerns, stating that the adulterated ghee case has hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees. Some leaders feel that the investigation might not be necessary, arguing that the emotional impact on the public has been significant enough. However, with the involvement of the Supreme Court, the investigation will continue to uncover the full scope of the allegations.

The Road Ahead

The SIT, comprising over 30 officers, will continue to probe the irregularities surrounding the procurement and supply of ghee used for making Srivari Laddu. With assistance from senior officers, including DSPs, CIs, and SSIs, the SIT is committed to addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that justice is served.

As the investigation moves forward, the SIT aims to uncover the truth behind the adulterated ghee used in one of the most revered prasadams in India, and restore faith among the devotees of Lord Venkateswara.

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The dispute escalated when the matter reached the highest court, prompting a judicial inquiry led by Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan. The hearing today will focus on petitions filed by notable figures including BJP leader Subrahmanya Swamy, YSR Congress Party MP YV Subbareddy, writer Sampath Vikram, and TV channel editor Suresh Khanderao Chauhanke.

Government’s Position Under Scrutiny

A critical point of discussion will be whether the ongoing investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) should continue or if the case should be transferred to central investigative agencies. The Solicitor General had previously requested an extension to present the government’s stance, which will be addressed during today’s proceedings.

Subrahmanya Swamy, who has been vocal about the laddu’s integrity, will represent himself in court as he argues the merits of his petition. His involvement has intensified the scrutiny surrounding the TTD and the quality of its offerings.

Legal Proceedings Update

Two additional petitions related to the laddu issue were filed on Thursday, which the Supreme Court agreed to prioritize in its schedule. These petitions are expected to further complicate the narrative as the court assesses the implications of the alleged adulteration.

The initial hearing was set for Thursday at 3:30 PM but was delayed due to the Solicitor General’s commitments in another court. The court’s decision to reschedule reflects the urgency and significance of this case, as it holds considerable weight in both political and cultural contexts.

Looking Ahead

As the Supreme Court gears up for today’s hearing, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching effects on the TTD and its operations. The laddu, an iconic symbol of faith and devotion, has become a focal point in the ongoing clash between political factions.

With the war of words escalating, all eyes are on the Supreme Court as it navigates the complexities of this high-profile case. The future of the Tirumala Laddu—and potentially the integrity of the TTD—hangs in the balance.

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The ongoing dispute has fueled a war of words between the ruling Kutami government and YCP leaders, adding a political dimension to the already heated situation. As the legal battle unfolds, the Tirumala Laddu case takes center stage in the Supreme Court, where Justice BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan will preside over the proceedings.

Item number 63 in court number 3, the Tirumala Laddu case has attracted significant attention, prompting key figures like YSRCP MP YV Subbareddy and senior BJP leader Subramanya Swamy to advocate for a thorough investigation supervised by the Supreme Court. Writer Vikram Sampath and other concerned individuals have also joined the fray, underscoring the gravity of the laddu prasada adulteration controversy.

Amidst these legal maneuvers, the High Court gears up to address the petitions filed, signaling a pivotal moment in the quest for truth surrounding the Tirumala Laddu debacle. The iconic Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and its revered deity, Sri Venkateswara Swamy, remain central to the unfolding drama, attracting devotees from across the globe who venerate the unique and beloved ‘Prasadam’ laddu.

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