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The investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into allegations of adulteration in Tirupati Laddus has been temporarily put on hold, as the case now falls under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, confirmed this development, stating that the SIT requires time to understand the process, gather information, and conduct necessary investigations, but the Supreme Court's order has mandated a temporary halt to the probe.
The Supreme Court's intervention stemmed from public statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who alleged that animal fat was used in the production of Laddus during the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government. The court questioned the basis of Naidu's public statement, emphasizing that gods should be kept separate from politics and that making such allegations without concrete evidence is inappropriate.
The court pointed out that the report clearly indicates the use of Ghee in the Laddus and that Naidu's public pronouncements, without a thorough investigation, are potentially misleading. The bench also questioned the need for a press release when the investigation was already initiated, implying that the public announcement may have been politically motivated.
Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan, defended the government's stance, arguing that the Supreme Court's observation did not necessarily clear the allegations of adulteration. He maintained that the government will continue investigating potential violations in the past five years, highlighting that the issue goes beyond the quality of the Prasad.
This incident highlights the sensitive nature of religious practices and the potential for political maneuvering. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the need for a balanced approach, avoiding sensationalized claims and ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly and impartially. The ongoing investigation will likely shed further light on the allegations of adulteration and the political context surrounding the issue.
Source: SIT probe into Tirupati Laddus ‘adulteration’ temporarily stalled: Andhra DGP