Tirupati: The Special Investigation Team that would probe the allegation that adulterated ghee was used in the preparation of Tirumala Srivari Laddus will have its operational base here.
The team would begin the investigation soon, officials said on Sunday. The allegation about the Tirupati laddus had arisen from a report of the National Dairy Development Board. Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu publicly raised the charge shortly after he took office.
The SIT consists of five core members, including officials from the CBI, state police and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The team has inducted 30 additional personnel including policemen and ministerial staff, bringing the total workforce to around 35.
The SIT was formed on the basis of a Supreme Court directive. “The SIT’s primary objective is to identify malpractices, if any, and ensure purity of the offerings,” a source from the SIT said.
Following a request, TTD allotted an old SVBC office in Bhudevi Complex for use as the team’s operational base. It is equipped with computers, printers and secure spaces for storing records.
The SIT comprises Hyderabad zone CBI joint director Veeresh Prabhu, Visakhapatnam SP Murali Rambha, Guntur Range IG Sarvashresth Tripathi, Visakhapatnam range DIG Gopinath Jetty, and FSSAI expert Satyen Kumar Panda. Additionally, SIT's manpower includes five DSPs, eight circle inspectors, two sub-inspectors and ministerial staff.
