Andhra Pradesh Pauses Probe into Tirupati Laddu Controversy Amid SC Scrutiny

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government has temporarily halted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of ghee adulteration in the making of Tirupati laddus. The decision comes ahead of the next Supreme Court hearing on October 3.

This move follows the Supreme Court’s criticism of the Andhra Pradesh government for publicly alleging that animal fat was used in the laddus without substantial evidence. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, the state’s top police officer, confirmed the pause, calling it a “precautionary measure” to maintain the integrity of the investigation. He added that preliminary inspections and statements have been recorded by the SIT.

Earlier in the week, the SIT inspected a flour mill in Tirumala where the ghee used for the laddus is stored. These laddus are distributed as prasadam to millions of devotees visiting the Tirupati temple each year.

An FIR was registered on September 25, followed by the SIT’s formation on September 26 to investigate the matter. However, during Monday’s hearing, the Supreme Court expressed its displeasure, stating that there was no prima facie evidence to support the claim of adulteration. Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan questioned why the government made such allegations public without certainty. The court also suggested the possibility of transferring the investigation to an independent agency.

The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, citing a lab report, alleged that ghee used for the laddus during the previous YSRCP regime contained beef tallow, lard, and fish oil. Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly denied the claims.