TTD Chairman Refutes YSRC’s Claim Of Clean Chit In Laddu Ghee Case
The TTD chairman alleged that procurement rules and tender conditions had been deliberately altered during the YSRC regime to allow ghee supply from dairies that lacked the required production capacity and quality standards, allegedly to benefit a few individuals: Reports
TIRUPATI: Rejecting the YSR Congress Party’s claim of a clean chit in the Tirumala laddu ghee case, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams chairman B.R. Naidu on Friday said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) charge sheet has clearly established that adulterated ghee had been used in preparation of laddus at Tirumala during the rule of the previous YSRC government.
Addressing media on Friday, he accused YSRC leaders of misleading devotees by claiming that the SIT has closed the case. He said the charge sheet explicitly mentions the use of chemicals in the ghee supplied to TTD. Terming YSR Congress claims as shameful, Naidu said the investigation itself had flagged serious violations. He warned of strict action against those responsible for tarnishing the image of TTD.
The TTD chairman alleged that procurement rules and tender conditions had been deliberately altered during the YSRC regime to allow ghee supply from dairies that lacked the required production capacity and quality standards, allegedly to benefit a few individuals. He claimed that about 68 lakh kg of adulterated ghee had been procured and used to prepare around 20 crore laddus. Some of the chemicals allegedly had been highly hazardous and posed serious health risks, he underlined.
“Reports from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) confirmed the presence of animal fat. SIT has also established adulteration,” Naidu pointed out. He alleged that certain dairies had been selected by the YSRC dispensation after receiving commissions.
The TTD chairman alleged that there had been sustained attempts over the past five years to demean Hindu deities and Hindu society. He demanded that the YSRC tender an unconditional apology to the Hindu community. He questioned the role of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and former TTD chairmen Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and Y.V. Subba Reddy. He asked why Subba Reddy and his wife had not shared their bank account details with the SIT.
Naidu said the charge sheet filed is not final. Further investigations are going on and would expose the role of influential individuals. He urged the SIT to probe alleged financial transactions involving crores of rupees credited to certain bank accounts to identify the benami arrangements.
The TTD chairman went on to demand micro-DNA testing to conclusively establish the quality and origin of the ghee.
