A controversy has erupted over the alleged use of adulterated and contaminated ghee in the preparation of Tirupati laddu prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. Allegations, including those by former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, suggest that animal fat was used in the laddus, sparking a significant outcry among devotees and political leaders. The Andhra Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by IGP Sarvashresth Tripathi, to probe the matter. The SIT has visited the temple, inspecting the godown and laboratory where the laddu ingredients are stored and tested. Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and YV Subba Reddy of the YSR Congress Party, seeking a court-monitored investigation. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that if contaminated ghee was used, it's unacceptable but questioned the proof of such allegations. The Supreme Court asked why the issue was publicized before the investigation concluded, remarking that "Gods should be kept away from politics." The court has requested evidence of the alleged contamination and is set to hear the matter further.
