Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao on Tuesday announced that the Special Investigation Team investigating the Tirupati laddu prasadam case will be suspended until October 3 due to ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court.
This suspension is a precautionary measure aimed at preserving the integrity of the investigation. Rao confirmed that the investigation would resume following the Supreme Court’s directives.
The decision to form the SIT was based on the case’s sensitivity, and the temporary halt is intended to prevent any potential legal complications. The SIT will act in accordance with the Supreme Court’s guidance to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.
On Monday, the Supreme Court questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu regarding his public allegations about the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddus served as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan criticized Naidu for making statements that lacked conclusive proof, especially while an investigation was already underway.
The bench expressed concern over the appropriateness of public statements from high constitutional authorities that could affect the sentiments of millions.
They instructed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to consult the Central government about the necessity of an independent investigation, scheduling the matter for October 3 at 3:30 PM.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing multiple petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into allegations that animal fat was used in the preparation of prasadam at the Tirumala Temple. During the proceedings, the court inquired whether the alleged contaminated laddus had been sent for testing.
Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, representing the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), acknowledged complaints about the quality and potential contamination of the laddus. He noted that a lab report from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) indicated contamination, which is currently under investigation.
The petitions were filed by various individuals, including Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy and former TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, seeking a thorough inquiry into the allegations made by the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government regarding the use of adulterated ghee during the previous YSRCP regime.
