The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the controversial Tirupati Laddu prasadam case has temporarily suspended its investigation until October 3, as announced by Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Dwaraka Tirumala Rao on Tuesday. This pause in the investigation comes in light of the ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court concerning the matter.The SIT was formed to investigate allegations regarding the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of the famous laddus served as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. Rao emphasized that the suspension is a precautionary step to maintain the investigations integrity, and the probe will resume once the Supreme Court issues further directives on October 3. The formation of the SIT was deemed necessary due to the sensitivity of the case, and the temporary halt aims to avoid any potential legal challenges.SIT investigation will be suspended until October 3, due to the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court. The SIT was formed to investigate the Tirupati Laddu prasadam case and the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the investigations integrity: Andhra Pradesh Director…— ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024On Monday, the Supreme Court raised questions regarding Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidus public statements about the alleged use of contaminated ghee. A bench consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan criticized Naidu for making the allegations without conclusive proof. The court noted that such statements could influence public sentiment, particularly when an official investigation was already underway.The court also questioned the Andhra Pradesh government about whether the adulterated laddus had undergone proper testing. Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, representing Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), mentioned that complaints regarding the laddus quality had surfaced, and a lab report from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) confirmed contamination. However, the nature of the contamination remains under investigation.The Supreme Court has requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions from the Central government on whether an independent investigation should be conducted. The case has been adjourned until October 3 for further deliberations.
