The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the AP Government has started its investigation into adulteration of Tirupati Laddu and formulated strategies for its probe. It has already held preliminary discussions with TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao and other key officials at Tirupati.
Guntur Range IG Sarvashrestha Tripathi, who is heading the nine-member SIT, said that they will question all those responsible for adulterated ghee. Following a case registered at the Tirupati East police station, the investigation has now been transferred to the SIT, with a particular focus on AR Dairy, the company that supplied the ghee.
The SIT has formed into three teams for its investigation. DIG Gopinath Jetty, SP Harshavardhan Raju and Additional SP Venkata Rao will head these three teams. The SIT is currently scrutinizing the complaint filed by the procurement General Manager of TTD, as well as examining the roles of officials and staff associated with the organisation.
Tripathi said that they will probe into all aspects related to adulteration, right from the TTD board to the role of officials and staff. Among three teams formed by the SIT, one team will go to Tamil Nadu and inspect AR Dairy Foods Pvt Ltd in Dundigal.
Another team will go to Tirumala and inspect the laddu potu, laddu selling centers and raw materials used for making laddu. The Srivaishnavas who are involved in making ladoos will also be questioned.
Another team will conduct the investigation at the TTD administration building in Tirupati. A team will look into the administrative aspects at the TTD administration building, focusing on ghee procurement and pertinent contracts, including those between TTD and AR Dairy.
Tirupati Admin ASP Venkata Rao, a member of the SIT, will remain local and assist in the investigation.“All individuals responsible for the adulteration of ghee will be thoroughly probed,” Tripathi stated, emphasizing that there is no specified timeline for the submission of the investigation report.