Andhra govt appoints SIT to probe Tirumala ghee ‘adulteration’

Hitting out at the previous YSRCP government, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday alleged that several procedures to procure ghee at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were altered during the earlier government, prompting him to form a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the irregularities.

He also alleged that appointments to the TTD board became like "gambling" during the previous government and there were instances of appointing people who had no faith and giving preferences to non-Hindus on the board.

Addressing a press conference at his Undavalli residence, the CM said people's sentiments were hurt after the revelation that animal fat was allegedly used to make laddus.

"An IG-level or above officer-manned SIT will be formed. It will probe all the reasons, misuse of power and give a report to the government. The government will take stringent action to avoid recurrences (laddu adulteration). There will be no compromise," said Naidu.

The CM said nobody has the right to play with people's sentiments.

Further, Naidu noted that a Santhi Homam Panchagavya Prokshana (ritualistic sanitisation) will be held on Monday at Tirumala to undo the alleged desecrations.

"From 6 am to 10 am on Monday, Santhi Homam Panchagavya Prokshana will be done at the Bangaru Bavi (golden well) Yagashala (ritual place) in Srivari (Sri Venkateswara) temple," he said.

Naidu said, as per the earlier conditions, the ghee supplier should have at least three years of experience. However, after Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power, it was reduced to one year, he added.