Tirupati Laddu Row: Ghee Sold at Unviable Rates, No Adulteration Tests Conducted, Says TTD Report

Hyderabad: A day after the Andhra Pradesh government announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of ghee adulteration at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), Republic Media Network accessed the TTD report submitted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu .

According to the report, "Suppliers took advantage and started quoting very low, unviable rates. Ghee supplied was quoted between Rs 320 per kg to Rs 411 per kg. Common knowledge that ghee cannot be supplied at these rates. Suppliers were supplying poor quality possibly adulterated ghee." The findings indicated several significant loopholes, including the absence of adulteration tests and a lack of necessary equipment at the TTD lab.

The TTD report findings highlight major loopholes:

1. Tests for detecting adulteration were not conducted.
2. No trained sensory analyst panel was available for testing.
3. No grading was done, as the tender did not specify requirements.
4. Required tests were absent due to a lack of equipment.
5. Testing was limited to certain parameters, not adulteration.
6. No tests for adulteration were conducted; only specified parameters were mentioned.

Earlier, Naidu criticized the previous YSRCP government, alleging that procedures for procuring ghee at TTD were altered, prompting the need for an SIT to investigate these irregularities. He condemned the earlier administration's approach, stating that appointments to the TTD board resembled "gambling" and favored non-Hindus.

Addressing the media, Naidu expressed concern over the recent revelations regarding the use of animal fats in laddus, stating, "Crores of Hindus' sentiments were hurt." He announced that an IG-level officer would lead the SIT to investigate the misuse of power and deliver a report to the government, promising stringent action to prevent future incidents. Additionally, a Santhi Homam Panchagavya Prokshana will take place at Tirumala to address the alleged desecrations.

Naidu also highlighted that supplier requirements had been relaxed under the current administration, stating, "As per earlier conditions, the ghee supplier should have at least three years of experience. However, after Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power, it was reduced to one year." He questioned the viability of supplying pure ghee at such low rates.

Consumer Affairs Department Awaits FSSAI Report

In light of the ongoing controversy, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare announced that her department would await the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) report before taking further action regarding ghee quality in the market. Khare stated, "We will wait for its report," emphasising that food safety falls under FSSAI's purview.

Responding to queries about potential pre-festive season checks on ghee quality, Khare said, “We will take more action, if required, after the FSSAI report and provided there are consumer complaints on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).”

Calls for Independent Investigation and Regulatory Action

Ex-TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations. The petition calls for an independent committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge to ensure transparency.

The controversy has sparked reactions nationwide, with states like Karnataka mandating tests on temple prasadam and requiring the use of specific ghee brands. In Uttar Pradesh, officials collected samples from prominent temples for testing. 

The issue came to light after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged on September 18 that the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in Tirupati laddus. Naidu subsequently announced a Special Investigation Team to probe these claims.

As the controversy continues to reverberate nationwide, various quarters are demanding steps to safeguard the sanctity of Hindu temples and their 'prasadam'.