Investigation around the Tirumala laddu prasadam adulteration row has gained momentum.
The five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) — formed following a directive from the Supreme Court — is finalising logistics before commencing field-level operations.
The team comprises representatives from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Andhra Pradesh State Police and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
To streamline the investigation, the SIT has sought extra personnel, securing 30 police officials, including four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), eight Circle Inspectors (CIs) and two Sub-Inspectors (SIs), along with support staff.
The TTD has allocated the old SVBC building in the Bhudevi complex near Alipiri as the SIT’s operational hub.
The premises provide a conducive environment for record-keeping and strategic discussions, which is equipped with modern facilities such as computers, printers and conference rooms.
The CBI is represented by Joint Director S Veeresh Prabhu from the Hyderabad Zone and Superintendent of Police Murali Rambha from Visakhapatnam.
Andhra Pradesh Police has nominated Inspector General Sarvashreshta Tripathi (Guntur range) and Deputy Inspector General Gopinath Jetti (Visakhapatnam range).
FSSAI nominated Dr Satya Kumar Panda as its nominee.
Sources suggest that the SIT may arrive in Tirupati shortly to initiate field-level inquiries under the direct supervision of the CBI Director.
The controversy erupted following a report from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) indicating that ghee samples supplied by a Tamil Nadu-based vendor contained foreign fats, including fish oil, beef tallow and lard. These findings sparked outrage among devotees, who hold the Laddu prasadam as sacred.
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