Controversy Over Tirumala Laddu Adulteration Spurs Andhra Investigation

Andhra Pradesh's Finance Minister announced a new committee to probe the alleged adulteration of Tirumala Laddus. Suspects include former TTD officials who allegedly diluted tender norms. The controversy, involving suspected adulterants like lard and fish oil, has sparked outrage, with accusations against the YSRCP for sacrilege.

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav announced on Wednesday that a committee will be formed to investigate the Tirumala laddu adulteration controversy, determining actions against senior officials involved. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has named former TTD officials Anil Kumar Singhal and Dharma Reddy, in connection with the scandal.

The SIT claims these officials altered tender norms and eliminated crucial testing benchmarks. The government awaits a chargesheet to verify if these officials were wrongfully accused. The Andhra Pradesh cabinet, according to Keshav, focused on Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam as its sole agenda, indicating the gravity of the situation.

The suspected adulterants, allegedly including lard, tallow, and fish oil, were identified in a report. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed dismay, accusing the YSRCP regime of using chemically manufactured oils, thus betraying millions of devotees by altering established rules and purchasing adulterated ghee.

(With inputs from agencies.)