Tirupati laddu row: CM Naidu sets up SIT, Jagan writes to PM Modi; PIL in SC

ROW REVERBERATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced a Special Investigation Team to probe the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus, as the row reverberated across the country with demands from various quarters for steps to protect the sanctity of Hindu temples and their 'prasadam'.

While Naidu, who has blamed the previous YSRCP government, alleged that several procedures to procure ghee by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) were altered under its rule, YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused him of being a "habitual liar" and wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging his intervention.

Addressing a press conference at his Undavalli residence, Naidu said people's sentiments were hurt after the revelations that animal fat was allegedly used to make Tirupati laddus. "An Inspector General level or above officer-manned SIT will be formed. It will probe all the reasons, the misuse of power and give a report to the government. The government will take stringent action to avoid recurrences (laddu adulteration), there is no compromise," he said.