The SIT investigation into the Tirupati laddu prasadam case has been put on hold until October 3, pending the Supreme Court hearing.
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), October 1: Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, announced on Tuesday that the SIT investigation into the Tirupati Laddu prasadam case will be suspended until October 3, due to the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court.
The SIT, formed to investigate a sensitive matter, has temporarily paused its activities as a precaution to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
Rao stated that the investigation will resume after the Supreme Court delivers its directives on October 3. The decision to create the SIT was based on the seriousness of the case, and the suspension is intended to prevent any legal complications.
The SIT will continue its investigation based on the Supreme Court’s guidance, ensuring a fair and unbiased inquiry.
On Monday, the Supreme Court questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for publicly alleging that adulterated ghee was used to prepare laddus served as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan criticized the Chief Minister, pointing out that there is no conclusive evidence yet to prove that contaminated ghee was used.
The court questioned the necessity of making such a public statement when the state had already ordered an investigation into the claims.
The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, to consult with the Central government on whether an independent investigation is required, with the case adjourned to October 3 at 3:30 PM.
"We are of the view that it was inappropriate for a high constitutional authority to make statements that could affect the sentiments of millions of people while the investigation is still ongoing. It would be suitable for the Solicitor General to assist us in deciding whether the SIT investigation should continue or be taken over by an independent agency," the bench stated.
The Supreme Court was hearing multiple petitions calling for a court-monitored investigation into the allegations of using animal fat to make laddus as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh.
During the hearing, the court asked the Andhra Pradesh government whether the alleged adulterated laddus had been sent for testing.
Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, representing Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), acknowledged complaints about the quality of the laddus and potential contamination. He mentioned that a report from the NDDB indicated contamination, which is still under investigation.
The Supreme Court was hearing petitions filed by several individuals, including Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, former TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, and Surjit Singh Yadav, President of the Hindu Sena Samiti, along with others.
The petitions sought a court-monitored investigation into the allegations made by the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government concerning the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddus during the previous YSRCP administration.