The investigation into allegations that animal fat was mixed with the ghee used in the preparation of the famous Srivari Laddu prasadam at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has taken a significant turn. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which conducted an investigation based on an FIR registered at the Tirupati East Police Station, said it examined issues related to the ghee supplied to the TTD between 2019 and 2024.
In its statement, the ED said it did not find evidence establishing that animal fat had been mixed with the ghee supplied for the preparation of the Tirumala Laddu.
ED Examines TTD Ghee Supplies Between 2019 and 2024
The ED’s investigation focused on the supply of ghee to the TTD during the period from 2019 to 2024. The agency examined various aspects of the procurement and supply process, including the quality of the ghee supplied to the temple authorities.
According to the ED, its investigation did not uncover evidence confirming the allegation that animal fat was mixed with the ghee used for making the Srivari Laddu.
The development has once again brought the controversial issue of ghee procurement and quality testing at the TTD into the spotlight.
CBI Also Found No Evidence of Animal Fat Adulteration
The latest ED findings come after an earlier investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the same issue. The CBI had also stated that it did not find evidence establishing the presence of animal fat in the ghee used for the Tirumala Laddu.
However, questions surrounding the procurement of ghee, quality testing, and the rejection of certain tankers have continued to generate political debate.
Allegations of animal fat adulteration had been repeatedly raised by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and other leaders of the ruling coalition.
Other Ingredients Mentioned in ED Investigation
At the same time, another aspect of the ED investigation has attracted attention. The agency’s findings reportedly referred to substances such as refined palm oil, palm kernel oil, palmolein, MG-90, monoglycerides, Myvacet Soft 400 and acetic acid esters.
Questions have now emerged over when and how these substances entered the ghee supply process and to which period their use was related.
The exact circumstances surrounding these substances will have to be determined based on the investigation reports and proceedings before the appropriate authorities and courts.
Questions Over Ghee Supplies During the 2019 Period
The investigation has also brought attention to supplies dating back to February 2019, during the previous Chandrababu Naidu government.
This has led to questions over whether alleged lapses in quality standards in the preparation of Laddu prasadam had begun during that period itself.
However, the issue needs to be viewed separately from the allegation of animal fat adulteration. While questions may remain regarding quality standards and the substances mentioned in the investigation, the available investigation findings cited in the article do not establish the presence of animal fat in the ghee.
Political Debate Over the Laddu Controversy
The latest developments have once again intensified the political debate surrounding the Srivari Laddu controversy.
With investigating agencies reportedly finding no evidence to establish animal fat adulteration, questions are being raised over the basis for making such serious allegations concerning the sacred Tirumala Laddu prasadam.
The issue has also triggered a wider discussion about the responsibility involved in making allegations concerning a religious offering consumed by millions of devotees.
What Explanation Will Chandrababu, Pawan Kalyan and Lokesh Give?
Against this backdrop, attention has now turned to the statements previously made by Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan and Nara Lokesh regarding the alleged animal fat adulteration.
With the ED and CBI findings cited in the controversy not establishing the presence of animal fat, there is growing political interest in what explanation the three leaders will offer regarding their earlier allegations.
The controversy is therefore likely to remain a subject of political and public debate, particularly over the distinction between allegations of animal fat adulteration and separate questions concerning ghee procurement, quality standards and supply procedures.
