Fri Sep 20 12:16:15 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Temple’s Sacred Laddu Prasadam Found Adulterated, Supplier Blacklisted
The controversy surrounding the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of sacred laddu prasadam at the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala escalated on Friday.
The temple’s managing body, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), reiterated the allegations first made by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao stated that lab tests conducted on selected samples revealed the presence of animal fat and lard, confirming the adulteration. He attributed this to the lack of an in-house testing facility, forcing the temple to rely on external labs with unviable rates.
“All four reports from the samples indicated adulteration with lard (pig fat),” Rao said during a press conference. “We immediately stopped the supplies, initiated the blacklisting of the contractor, and the process of imposing penalties is underway. The legal proceedings will now begin.”
This controversy has sparked political tensions. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused his successor of using the temple for political gain.
The sacred laddu, offered as prasadam, holds immense religious significance for millions of devotees. The temple authorities are taking strict action to ensure the quality and sanctity of the offering are maintained.
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