SIT faces questions over ‘shortcomings’ in Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration probe

Vijayawada: Amid allegations and counter-allegations between ruling and opposition parties over the laddu ghee adulteration case, the special investigation team (SIT) is now faced with multiple questions, with leaders across the political fence accusing it of potential shortcomings in its investigation.

Ruling TDP members expressed doubts over the investigation as the SIT report, while mentioning that ghee was adulterated with synthetic materials, was silent on the use of animal fat. The questions raised relate to sending ghee samples to NDRI for testing despite two of its employees being arraigned as accused, to not including then administrative heads of the TTD as accused.

While alleging that chemicals were used to prepare a ghee-like product, finance minister Payyavula Keshav raised doubts over the source of chemical compounds. Though he did not express doubts on the SIT directly, he said it ought to have examined the source of the chemical compounds. Chemicals like acetic acid, mono-glycerides and lactic acid, which were found in the ghee-like product, can be made either from plant-based fats or from animal fats and were imported from South Korea. Its an important aspect which cannot be ignored, he noted.

Another issue pointed out was that of not sending the ghee samples to a competent laboratory to find out whether it was adulterated with animal fats, after the NDRI stated that it lacked competence to test for the same. The SIT filed a final chargesheet, which is yet to be taken into cognisance by the trial court, without a conclusive finding on the most controversial issue of animal fat. The SIT mentioned in its report submitted to the govt that the officials who strengthened tender rules, made diagonally opposite set of recommendations after five months without any justification. However, the SIT did not go into the aspect of at whose instance the officials changed the tender rules.

While alleging that then chairman of TTD knew about the adulteration of ghee in 2022, and that additional EO, Dharma Reddy, failed to follow up on the test results, the SIT did not include them as accused, ruling party leaders feel. The SIT also found fault with the procurement committee comprising Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, but did not include them in the list of accused. The SIT found fault with Anil Kumar Singhal, who worked as EO when tender conditions were relaxed, but did not examine KS Jawahar Reddy, who worked as EO when the adulteration was confirmed by the CFTRI.

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said they will not spare anyone involved, as it was a deliberate wrongdoing that played with the sentiments of devotees. He said the govt will move the court seeking prosecution of all those involved in the case, if required. A legal opinion is being sought in this regard on whether to request the SIT or to file a petition before the court. As it was a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, the state govt is also exploring legal options to bring all the issues to the notice of the apex court.

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