In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations surrounding the supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. The probe was initiated following claims that substandard ghee, including animal fat, was used in the preparation of the famous laddu prasadam offered to Lord Venkateswara, the deity worshipped at Tirumala.
The SIT will be led by Sarvashrestha Tripathi, Inspector General (IG) of Guntur Range, and comprises senior police officials such as Gopinath Jetty, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Visakhapatnam Range, and Harshavardhan Raju, Superintendent of Police (SP) for YSR Kadapa District. Other members include senior officers from different districts, ensuring the investigation is comprehensive and swift.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy over the adulteration of ghee first came to light when Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the ghee used in preparing the laddus during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime was tainted with animal fat. According to Naidu, lab tests conducted by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) detected the presence of substances like beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee samples, sparking outrage among devotees across the country. The issue triggered widespread demands for a detailed investigation and stringent action against those responsible for the sacrilege.
The allegations took on a political tone, with Naidu accusing the previous YSRCP government, led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, of mismanagement and corruption within the TTD board. He claimed that the YSRCP had turned the TTD board into a “political rehabilitation center,” allowing the entry of individuals without faith in Hindu traditions. Jagan Mohan Reddy refuted the allegations, accusing Naidu of using religion for political gains and asserting that no such violations occurred under his government.
Role and Mandate of the SIT
The newly formed SIT will not only focus on the adulteration of ghee but will also investigate broader irregularities that reportedly took place during the previous YSR Congress regime. Its scope includes examining procurement procedures, supply chains, and quality control mechanisms used in preparing the sacred laddu prasadam.
As per the government’s order, the SIT is empowered to seek assistance from any state department. This includes gathering relevant information, accessing technical expertise, and even requesting external experts to aid in the investigation. The team is expected to submit a comprehensive report, based on which the government will take decisive action.
Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad, a seasoned bureaucrat, has instructed all departments to fully cooperate with the SIT in the discharge of its duties. Given the religious and emotional significance of the issue, the state government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the sanctity of Tirumala temple.
Political and Religious Ramifications
The row over adulterated ghee has stirred deep emotions among the millions of devotees who consider Tirumala as one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Any compromise on the purity of offerings, especially the laddu prasadam, is seen as a serious affront to religious sentiments. This has led to calls from various quarters for immediate corrective actions and the purification of the temple premises.
In response, Chief Minister Naidu announced the performance of a “Shanti Homam” and “Panchagavya Prokshana,” rituals aimed at sanctifying the temple. These religious ceremonies will be conducted at the Yagashala near Bangaru Bavi, inside the Srivari temple, as a symbolic gesture to restore the sanctity that some devotees feel has been compromised.
Moreover, the government plans to implement stricter quality checks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that no such incidents occur in the future. A committee comprising Agama Pandits (traditional experts in temple rituals) and other scholars will be formed to advise on best practices across all temples in the state.
The Road Ahead
The formation of the SIT marks a critical step in addressing the concerns of the devotees and upholding the integrity of the TTD’s sacred offerings. While the investigation is still ongoing, the state government has promised swift and decisive action against anyone found guilty of negligence or wrongdoing.
The political ramifications of this issue cannot be ignored. With Chief Minister Naidu positioning himself as the defender of the temple’s sanctity, the row could significantly impact the public perception of both the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSRCP, particularly in the run-up to the next state elections. Whether the SIT’s findings will bring closure or further deepen the divide remains to be seen.
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