Temple laddu case: SIT conducts multi-state inspections, examines dairies and labs
Update: 2024-11-25 15:40 GMT
Tirupati: The SIT tasked with probing the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of Srivari Laddu Prasadam conducted searches at three locations.
Over the weekend, teams of officers held an inspection at a dairy in Tamil Nadu, as also the premises of a supplier in Andhra Pradesh and a laboratory in Chennai. Some documents were seized.
The core team of the SIT, constituted on word from the Supreme Court to probe the allegations, comprises two officers from the CBI, two police officials from AP, IG Sarvashresth Tripathi and DIG Gopinath Jatti. An official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is also part of the team. The team is backed by a contingent of 30 police officers.
While the core members of SIT have not yet reached Tirupati, the DSP-level officers are collecting information. During the weekend, the SIT split into sub-groups to raid three locations. On Monday, a separate team initiated a probe in Tirumala and searched the TTD marketing godowns, the temple kitchen, and the TTD health lab. The lab is where the quality of raw materials used for laddu preparation is regularly assessed.
One set of officials inspected the AR Dairy Foods Pvt Ltd in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, the alleged source of adulterated ghee supplied to the TTD. Investigators focused on the AR dairy’s operational processes, including its milk sourcing, ghee production methods, and the proportion of cow and buffalo milk used in the dairy.
“We sought clarity on the dairy’s efficiency and its capacity to produce ghee at the required scale,” an official said.
Documents detailing the quantity of ghee supplied to TTD and its purchases from other dairies were examined.
In Chennai, the SIT investigated SMS Lab, which had certified the ghee supplied by AR Dairy as pure. Officials questioned lab personnel on the protocols and methods used to test ghee quality.
Simultaneously, another set of officials visited the Vaishnavi Dairy in Penubaka, Tirupati district, which reportedly supplied ghee to AR Dairy. Investigators assessed its production capacity and ability to meet supply demands.
"Preliminary findings suggest a need for a thorough review of the supply chain and testing processes to avoid any lapses in future," an official said, adding that the SIT would submit a detailed report to the Supreme Court.