Tirupati Laddu controversy; Supreme Court appoints independent investigation team

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court formed an independent investigation team in the Tirupati Laddu controversy. The Special Investigation Team constituted by the Supreme Court comprises one officer from the CBI, two officers from the Andhra Pradesh Police and a senior official from the Food Safety Authority. The Supreme Court has also clarified that the work of the group will be under the supervision of the CBI director.

The state government had earlier formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations of using animal fat to make Tirupati Ladu. However, this investigation was stopped when the Supreme Court intervened in the matter.

A bench of justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan heard the matter. The Supreme Court bench said there was no need for political drama on the issue as it was a matter of faith for millions of devotees across the world.

It was Chandrababu Naidu's remark that started the big controversies. "Even Tirumala Ladu was made with substandard ingredients during the YSR Congress rule under the leadership of Jagan Mohan Reddy. Instead of using ghee, they used animal fat but now pure ghee is used. Everything in the temple has been disinfected. This has improved the quality of ladoo', said Chandrababu Naidu.