VIJAYAWADA: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Supreme Court to probe the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the making of laddu prasadam at the Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) reportedly began their investigation on Wednesday.
According to sources, two officers from the CBI—N. Veeresh Prabhu, Joint Director, Hyderabad, and Vizag Range SP Rambha Murali—along with two officers from the state—Guntur Range IG Sarvashresth Tripathi and Vizag Range DIG Gopinath Jatti—are part of the investigation team.
It is also reported that the team will soon visit the temple in Tirumala as well as AR Dairy Food Products Private Limited. However, an expert from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has yet to join the investigation.
A senior official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “CBI will decide on the appointment of a member from FSSAI. Meanwhile, the investigation will focus on the tendering process, procurement, and supply chain of cow ghee from the dairy to TTD.” It is important to note that the Supreme Court directed the SIT to conduct the probe under the supervision of the CBI Director and to form an independent five-member investigation team, including two CBI officers, two senior police officers from Andhra Pradesh, and one official from FSSAI.
