SIT Inquiry Initiated on Tirumala Laddu Ghee Adulteration Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been mobilized to conduct a detailed inquiry into allegations of adulterated ghee being used in the preparation of the revered Tirumala Laddu prasadam. A five-member SIT team has been formed, and an additional 30 officers have been recruited to support the investigation. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been requested to provide necessary infrastructure, including guest houses, to facilitate the SIT’s operations based out of Tirupati. The investigation was prompted by findings in the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) report, which suggested instances of adulteration.
The SIT includes high-level officials from various agencies, such as two officers each from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the state government, along with an advisor from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Notable members include Guntur Range IG Sarvesh Tripathi and Visakhapatnam Range DIG Gopinath Jetty from Andhra Pradesh, along with Hyderabad CBI Joint Director Veeresh Prabhu, Visakhapatnam CBI SP Murali Rambha, and FSSAI Quality Assurance Advisor Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda. Under the supervision of the CBI Director, the SIT aims to uncover the full extent of alleged irregularities.
To aid the investigation, the team has been equipped with additional personnel, including four DSPs, eight CIs, and two SIs. The SIT has also requested ministerial staff to support its operations. The state government has approved this request, ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated promptly. CBI authorities have also reached out to TTD to provide essential infrastructure, such as a secure office space equipped with computers, printers, and facilities for video conferencing.
Preparations are underway to establish a fully functional office for the SIT at Tirupati. This dedicated space will serve as the operational hub for the investigation until its completion. The TTD has taken swift steps to fulfill the SIT’s requests, including providing buildings and resources to facilitate the inquiry. With arrangements nearing completion, the SIT is set to begin its full-scale investigation shortly, aiming to bring clarity and resolution to the issue.
