Lagatar24 Desk
TIRUPATI: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Andhra Pradesh government has ramped up its investigation into the alleged adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati Laddu prasadams. This 9-member team, comprising senior police officials, is investigating the claims of adulterated ghee supplied by a Tamil Nadu-based company to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Key Members Leading the SIT
The SIT is headed by Guntur Range IG Sarvashresth Tripathi and includes officials like Visakhapatnam DIG Gopinath Jatti, Kadapa SP V Harshavardhan Raju, and Additional SP Venkat Rao. The team will operate out of the police guesthouse in Tirupati, focusing on various angles of the ghee adulteration case.
Case Background and SIT’s Objectives
The case stems from a complaint lodged by the TTD against AR Dairy Foods Private Limited, accusing them of supplying ghee mixed with animal fats. The case, originally filed at the Tirupati East Police Station, is now under SIT’s jurisdiction.
“The allegations involve the supply of adulterated ghee by AR Dairy, which was used for preparing the sacred Laddu prasadams,” said IG Sarvashresth Tripathi. He added that multiple teams would be formed to scrutinize the procurement and tender processes employed by the TTD, as well as the quality checks in place.
Focus on Tender Irregularities
Amid suspicions that tender guidelines may have been altered during the previous YSRCP administration to favor certain suppliers, the SIT will also investigate potential irregularities in the procurement process.
Meeting with TTD EO
SIT officials held a meeting with TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao on Sunday. During the meeting, the EO briefed the SIT about the case details and submitted the official report on the Laddu ghee adulteration episode.
This investigation marks a significant effort to uncover the truth behind the allegations and hold any responsible parties accountable for tampering with the sacred prasadam.
