In response to serious allegations regarding mismanagement in the Tirupati temple body, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the matter.
The investigation was prompted by claims that animal fat was used to adulterate the ghee for the temple's famous laddoos.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party has accused former officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust, including former Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and former Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy, of various irregularities in temple management over the past five years. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to "clean up" the system, alleging that these issues arose during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure.
Naidu has criticized his predecessor, YS Jaganmohan Reddy, for allegedly appointing politically connected individuals to the TTD board and using the temple for political advantage.
He highlighted a concerning report from a state-run lab in Gujarat, which found that samples of ghee from Tirupati tested positive for fish oil, beef tallow, and lard during Reddy's administration. This report, dated July 17, has raised questions regarding the delay in addressing these findings.
The Chief Minister has vowed to hold those responsible accountable and restore the sanctity of the revered temple.