Tirupati laddu row: Supreme Court forms independent SIT, including two officers from CBI, to probe matter

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the formation of an independent special investigation team (SIT) to look into the alleged use of animal fat for preparing Laddus at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, "only to assuage feelings of crores of devotees across the world".

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Vishwanathan directed an SIT comprising two officers from the CBI nominated by the director, and two from the Andhra Pradesh police along with a senior officer of the central government body FSSAI, to examine the matter.

It said the investigation would be carried out under the supervision of the CBI director.

Taking up a batch of petitions, the bench said, "We would not permit the court to be used as political battleground."

The bench also said it has not gone into allegations and counter allegations pertaining to the matter.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the central government, said the present SIT formed by the Andhra Pradesh government could be allowed to continue the investigation into the matter.

"I have examined the matter, if there is truth in the allegations, it is totally unacceptable. The matter is also related to food safety. The present SIT is competent and qualified, but let it be supervised by a central police force," he said.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi for the Andhra Pradesh government and senior advocate Sidharth Luthra for TTD chairman said the present SIT formed after registration of the FIR can be allowed to probe the matter. But they did not object to the formation of a fresh SIT.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for former TTD chairman Y V Subba Reddy also agreed to the court's decision to form an independent SIT.

The apex court had on September 30 slammed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for making a statement on September 18 about the use of contaminated ghee in preparation of Tirupati Laddoos in absence of concrete proof, and even prior to registration of FIR, and initiation of an SIT probe.

Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous Y S Jaganmohan Reddy-led government, triggering a massive row.

The YSR Congress Party has accused Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gain.