Though the revelation of using animal fat in ghee used for Tirupati Laddu prasadam has created nation-wide uproar and condemnation, the YCP chief and former chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy instead of going defensive, with swift reaction making efforts to avoid a probe by the state police.
Fearing that state police probe may push several of his close associated into danger as in the case of Mumbai Actress Kadambari Jethwani’s illegal detention and torture, he is demanding a CBI probe expecting that would take away the investigation from the state police.
First he fielded two of former TTD Trust Board Chairmans and senior YCP leaders YV Subba Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy strongly denying charges and also accusing it as a `political conspiracy’. Both of them challenged Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to take oath at Tirumala temple on this issue.
Soon after, Jaganmohan Reddy himself came out and alleged that it was a plot to divert the people’s attention from the failure of the Chandrababu Naidu government in realizing Super Six promises during the first 100 days of his governance.
Immediately, they approached AP High Court, seeking a probe by a sitting judge or to hand over the case to the CBI. YCP leaders are said to be using their influence at Delhi to make the Narendra Modi government also hand over the issue for the investigation by the CBI. That was the main reason said to be for hurriedly union health minister JP Nadda called Chandrababu Naidu and sought a report on it.
Jaganmohan Reddy gained vast experience in delaying probe by CBI in his own cases and also his uncle YS Vivekananda Reddy’s murder case. Moreover, he is trying to use a sentiment charge stating that such allegations create fear among crores of Lord Venkateswara’s devotees all over the country.
Bhumana Karunakar Reddy raised a very sensitive issue in this regard alleging that the lab report was given by a Muslim technician, indicating that it was intended to harm sentiments of Hindu devotees. Thus attempted to give a religious tone to the controversy.
Jaganmohan Reddy also announced that he is writing a letter to the Prime Minister and also Chief Justice of India seeking a probe into this `conspiracy’. Thus, he is making all out efforts to politicise the issue, so as to divert people’s attention from real fraud.