High-Stakes Probe: Unraveling the Tirupati Laddu Controversy

The Supreme Court has formed an independent special investigation team to examine allegations of animal fat use in Tirupati laddus. The SIT, supervised by the CBI Director, includes members from CBI, Andhra Pradesh Police, and FSSAI. The court emphasizes avoiding political conflicts in the investigation.

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) to look into accusations that animal fat is being used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus, a popular religious offering.

The SIT will comprise personnel from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Andhra Pradesh Police, along with a senior official from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the supervision of the CBI Director.

The court, led by Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, stressed that the inquiry should not evolve into a political spectacle and urged the involvement of the Solicitor General in determining the fate of the ongoing state-led investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)