Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Oct 1: The investigation into the alleged use of adulterated ghee in preparing “prasadam” at the famous Tirupati temple By a Special Investigation Team of the Andhra Pradesh police was halted on Tuesday after the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was strongly reprimanded by the Supreme Court on Monday for rushing to the press with the allegations against his predecessor YS Jagan Mohan Reddy without waiting for the SIT report.
Addressing the media, the Director General of Police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao the SIT would temporarily halt its investigations until the Supreme Court’s next hearing and wait for its directions for the future course of action on the issue. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case again on October 3.
The DGP disclosed that the SIT, during its three-day investigation, had gathered preliminary information regarding the procurement and tendering process of the ingredients used in the temple offerings. The team also visited the laboratory at Tirumala to assess the situation.
The nine-member SIT was officially constituted on September 27 following a revelation by Mr Naidu at a NDA meeting on September 18 that animal fat had been used in the ghee by one of the supplier and it was used in the preparation of prasadams, including the laddoo at the temple. The claim sent shockwaves across the country raising concerns among devotees and temple authorities alike.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions on Monday, raised several pertinent questions regarding the authenticity of the allegations. The Apex Court inquired if there was any evidence to substantiate the claim that adulterated ghee was indeed used in the preparation of the laddoos. Further, it sought clarification from Siddharth Luthra, the counsel representing the State government, as to whether the adulterated laddoos were subjected to any form of testing.
The court also expressed its concern over the government’s handling of the issue, particularly questioning as to why a second opinion was not sought before making such a sensitive and far-reaching announcement, which has the potential to deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. The Bench also observed that religious matters, especially those related to sacred offerings, should be handled with utmost care, noting, “Let Gods be kept away from politics.”
In light of these observations, the DGP announced that the SIT would temporarily halt its investigations until the Supreme Court’s next hearing. The SIT’s future course of action will depend on the directives issued by the Apex Court.
The probe panel was led by Guntur Range Inspector General of Police, Sarvashresth Tripathi. However, it will remain suspended until further orders in the wake of the ongoing hearing on the matter in the apex court. One of the petitioners had also raised the question of the SIT of the AP Police investigating the case and had suggested a Supreme Court- monitored independent agency be asked to inquire into the matter.