TIRUMALA: In a major development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the State government to probe into the alleged supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temporarily suspended its investigation till October 3.
Speaking in Tirumala on Tuesday, Director General of Police (DGP) Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao announced that the decision was taken as the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.
It may be noted that the top court on Monday, while hearing a batch of petitions on the Tirumala Laddu controversy, sought the assistance of the Solicitor General to ascertain whether the State government-appointed SIT should continue the probe or should an independent agency be given the task. The court had also observed that there was no concrete proof that the contaminated ghee was used actually in preparation of the laddus.
Speaking to mediapersons, the DGP said a case was registered against Tamil-Nadu based AR Dairy Food Private Limited in Tirupati East police station based on a complaint from TTD procurement general manager Murali Krishna. The complainant had alleged that AR Dairy had violated terms of the contract and supplied adulterated or substandard ghee to TTD for preparing Laddus.
‘Probe will resume as per SC orders’
“After gauging the gravity of the incident, the State government had constituted an SIT on September 26 and collected information pertaining to procurement and sample testing to ascertain the possibility of adulteration. However, the investigation has been suspended until October 3. Though the Supreme Court did not order the suspension of the investigation, the State government chose to do so on the advice of advocates representing the State in the case. The probe will resume according to Supreme Court directions,” Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said.
5k cops for Brahmotsavams
The DGP was in Tirumala to review security arrangements for the annual Brahmotsavams, scheduled from October 4 to 12. He, along with TTD chief vigilance officials, inspected the temple premises.
On the security measures, the DGP said the State government has deployed 5,145 police personnel for duty during the festivities. “Extra care will be taken on three important events - Dwajarohanam on October 4, Garuda Vahana Seva on October 8 and Chakrasnanam on October 12. Additional police forces will be deployed as we are expecting around four lakh devotees to visit Tirumala on Garuda Vahana Seva,” the DGP added.
