Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, on Tuesday, announced that the SIT investigation into the Tirupati laddoo prasadam case will be suspended until October 3, due to the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court.

The SIT was formed to investigate the sensitive case, and the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the investigation's integrity

Rao clarified that the investigation will resume after the Supreme Court issues its directives on October 3. The decision to form the SIT was made considering the severity of the case, and the temporary suspension is necessary to avoid any potential legal complications.

The SIT's investigation will proceed according to the Supreme Court's guidance, ensuring a fair and impartial inquiry.

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations about the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddoos, which were served as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan criticised the chief minister, saying there is no conclusive proof yet to substantiate that contaminated ghee was used in preparation of prasadam laddoos.

It questioned the need to make a public statement on the issue when a probe had already been ordered by the state into the allegations.

The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, to seek instructions from the Central government on whether an independent investigation is required and posted the matter to October 3 at 3.30 pm.

"We are prima facie of the view that when the investigation was under process, it was not appropriate for the high constitutional authority to make a statement that can affect the sentiments of crores of people. In that view of the matter, we find that it would be appropriate if the Solicitor General assists us on whether the SIT by the state should continue or the investigation should be by an independent agency," said the bench in it's order.

The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions seeking court-monitored investigation into the allegations of use of animal fat to make laddoos to serve as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Venkateswara is worshipped.

During the hearing, the top court asked the Andhra Pradesh government whether the alleged adulterated laddoos had been sent for testing.

Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, appearing for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), said that there were complaints regarding the quality of laddoos and possible contamination. He also said that the lab report of the NDDB showed contamination and the nature of contamination was under inquiry.

The top court was hearing petitions filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, and ex TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, Surjit Singh Yadav, President of non government organisation Hindu Sena Samiti, historian Dr. Vikram Sampath, chairman managing director (CMD) and the editor-in-chief of Sudarshan, Suresh Chavhanke and others.

The petitions sought court-monitored investigation into the allegations levelled by TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government regarding use of adulterated ghee in preparation of laddoos at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple during the previous YSRCP regime.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, on Tuesday, announced that the SIT investigation into the Tirupati laddoo prasadam case will be suspended until October 3, due to the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court.

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, on Tuesday, announced that the SIT investigation into the Tirupati laddoo prasadam case will be suspended until October 3, due to the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court. The SIT was formed to investigate the sensitive case, and the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the investigation's integrity Rao clarified that the investigation will resume after the Supreme Court issues its directives on October 3. The decision to form the SIT was made considering the severity of the case, and the temporary suspension is necessary to avoid any potential legal complications. The SIT's investigation will proceed according to the Supreme Court's guidance, ensuring a fair and impartial inquiry. The Supreme Court on Monday questioned Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations about the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddoos, which were served as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan criticised the chief minister, saying there is no conclusive proof yet to substantiate that contaminated ghee was used in preparation of prasadam laddoos. It questioned the need to make a public statement on the issue when a probe had already been ordered by the state into the allegations. The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, to seek instructions from the Central government on whether an independent investigation is required and posted the matter to October 3 at 3.30 pm. "We are prima facie of the view that when the investigation was under process, it was not appropriate for the high constitutional authority to make a statement that can affect the sentiments of crores of people. In that view of the matter, we find that it would be appropriate if the Solicitor General assists us on whether the SIT by the state should continue or the investigation should be by an independent agency," said the bench in it's order. The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions seeking court-monitored investigation into the allegations of use of animal fat to make laddoos to serve as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where Lord Venkateswara is worshipped. During the hearing, the top court asked the Andhra Pradesh government whether the alleged adulterated laddoos had been sent for testing. Senior advocate Siddhartha Luthra, appearing for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), said that there were complaints regarding the quality of laddoos and possible contamination. He also said that the lab report of the NDDB showed contamination and the nature of contamination was under inquiry. The top court was hearing petitions filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, and ex TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy, Surjit Singh Yadav, President of non government organisation Hindu Sena Samiti, historian Dr. Vikram Sampath, chairman managing director (CMD) and the editor-in-chief of Sudarshan, Suresh Chavhanke and others. The petitions sought court-monitored investigation into the allegations levelled by TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government regarding use of adulterated ghee in preparation of laddoos at the Tirumala Tirupati Temple during the previous YSRCP regime. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Amid Supreme Court hearing, SIT investigation into Tirupati laddoo prasadam case suspended till Oct 3

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Friday, said that he respected all faiths, adding that his personal belief is rooted in humanity. His comments came after the ruling NDA demanded that he publicly declare his religion before visiting the Tirupati temple.

"The entire country, the state, knows my religion. My late father became the chief minister twice and he always took blessings of Lord Balaji. I read the Bible, I respect Hindu religion, traditions and rituals. I also respect Islam and Sikhism. My religion is humanity, write that in the declaration," Reddy said during a media interaction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-muizzu-took-action-against-ministers-who-made-anti-modi-remarks-762737">Maldives president: Took action against ministers who made anti-Modi remarks</a>

He also commented on the objections raised by leaders from other states. "I am surprised that leaders from other states are trying to stop me from visiting," Reddy said, addressing the notice issued to him and his party members from the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP).

The notice, citing Section 30 of the Police Act, warned them against defying the law as they planned to accompany their leader to Tirupati, a visit which was later called off for 'security reasons.'

Reddy mentioned that he had visited the temple 11 times, even before becoming chief minister. "Back then they never asked me about my religion. And now you are slapping me with this notice to prove my allegiance?" he said. As per the rules, non-Hindus and foreigners are required to declare their respect for Lord Venkateswara if they wish to have a darshan at the Tirumala temple, a former official explained to PTI.

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Referring to the NDA’s demand that he disclose his faith before entering the temple, Reddy expressed concern over how he was being questioned. "Look at the way they’re asking me about my religion just to visit the temple," he said. He further added, "I am surprised that BJP leaders from other states are targeting me."

"Religion based hatred should not have any place in politics. Today the BJP is raising a lot of questions about my religion. I want to ask them in return, what action are they taking against their own partner who is desecrating the Tirumala Temple" he asked, pointing to his successor, Chandrababu Naidu.

In response to Reddy's statements, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) took to social media. "Who stopped? According to the law, I have to sign that I believe that Swami is the one, if you don’t want to do that, then go away.. Who told you not to sign?" the TDP posted on X.

<h2>What is Tirupati ladoo prasadam row?</h2>

A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh regarding claims that animal fat is being used in the making of Tirupati laddoos. Despite this controversy, the sale of the popular ladoo prasadam at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple remains unaffected, with more than 60,000 devotees visiting the temple each day.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Friday, said that he respected all faiths, adding that his personal belief is rooted in humanity. His comments came after the ruling NDA demanded that he publicly declare his religion before visiting the Tirupati temple.

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Friday, said that he respected all faiths, adding that his personal belief is rooted in humanity. His comments came after the ruling NDA demanded that he publicly declare his religion before visiting the Tirupati temple. "The entire country, the state, knows my religion. My late father became the chief minister twice and he always took blessings of Lord Balaji. I read the Bible, I respect Hindu religion, traditions and rituals. I also respect Islam and Sikhism. My religion is humanity, write that in the declaration," Reddy said during a media interaction. Also read: Maldives president: Took action against ministers who made anti-Modi remarks He also commented on the objections raised by leaders from other states. "I am surprised that leaders from other states are trying to stop me from visiting," Reddy said, addressing the notice issued to him and his party members from the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP). The notice, citing Section 30 of the Police Act, warned them against defying the law as they planned to accompany their leader to Tirupati, a visit which was later called off for 'security reasons.' Reddy mentioned that he had visited the temple 11 times, even before becoming chief minister. "Back then they never asked me about my religion. And now you are slapping me with this notice to prove my allegiance?" he said. As per the rules, non-Hindus and foreigners are required to declare their respect for Lord Venkateswara if they wish to have a darshan at the Tirumala temple, a former official explained to PTI. Also read: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s UNGA Kashmir rant falls flat as India hits back Referring to the NDA’s demand that he disclose his faith before entering the temple, Reddy expressed concern over how he was being questioned. "Look at the way they’re asking me about my religion just to visit the temple," he said. He further added, "I am surprised that BJP leaders from other states are targeting me." "Religion based hatred should not have any place in politics. Today the BJP is raising a lot of questions about my religion. I want to ask them in return, what action are they taking against their own partner who is desecrating the Tirumala Temple" he asked, pointing to his successor, Chandrababu Naidu. In response to Reddy's statements, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) took to social media. "Who stopped? According to the law, I have to sign that I believe that Swami is the one, if you don’t want to do that, then go away.. Who told you not to sign?" the TDP posted on X. What is Tirupati ladoo prasadam row? A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh regarding claims that animal fat is being used in the making of Tirupati laddoos. Despite this controversy, the sale of the popular ladoo prasadam at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple remains unaffected, with more than 60,000 devotees visiting the temple each day. (With inputs from agencies)

Tirupati ladoo row: Jagan Reddy defends faith after cancelling Tirupati visit; slams BJP for asking religion

Tamil actor Karthi has apologised to Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, over his comment on the Tirupati laddoo row. Pawan Kalyan had lashed out at Karthi over the latter's remark over the controversy around the temple prasad.&nbsp; 
 
What did Karthi say? 
 
On September 23, Karthi attended an event in Hyderabad during which the anchor showed a few memes, one of which was about laddoos. To which the actor reacted and said, "Ippudu laddoo gurinchi maatladakodadu (We should not talk about laddoo now), it's a sensitive topic manakoddadi (we don’t want)." The actor laughed off the matter of animal fat being used in the laddoos which did not go down well with many, including Pawan Kalyan.&nbsp; 
 
Soon after, Pawan lashed out at the actor and said, "Don’t you dare say it is a sensitive issue or make jokes about the Tirupati Laddoo. I respect you as an actor, I urge everyone from the film fraternity to either support this fight or stay silent. I would request everyone to refrain from making unnecessary remarks." 
 
On Tuesday, Karthi issued a public apology to Pawan Kalyan and wrote, "Dear @PawanKalyan&nbsp;sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards."&nbsp;

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/PawanKalyan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PawanKalyan</a> sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards.
— Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) <a href="https://twitter.com/Karthi_Offl/status/1838480559925870662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Pawan Kalyan responded to Karthi apology post and said he understood that the Ponniyin Selvan star did not make the remark intentionally. The Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh wrote on X, "Dear&nbsp;@Karthi_Offl&nbsp;&nbsp;garu,&nbsp;I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and swift response, as well as the respect you've shown towards our shared traditions. Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of devotees, and it’s essential for all of us to handle such topics with care."

"That said, I wanted to bring this to your notice with no intentions behind it, and I understand the situation was unintentional. Our responsibility as public figures is to foster unity and respect, especially regarding what we cherish most—our culture and spiritual values. Let's always strive to uplift these values while continuing to inspire through cinema."

"I would also like to express my admiration for you as a remarkable actor whose dedication and talent have consistently enriched our cinema."

"Wishing you, @Suriya_offl &nbsp;garu, #Jyotika garu, and the entire team at @2D_ENTPVTLTD &nbsp;a successful release of #Meiyazhagan / #SathyamSundaram. May it resonate with audience and bring joy to many (sic)." 
 
Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan is observing an 11-day-long prayaschitta diksha, a purification ritual.&nbsp; 
 
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu previously accused the usage of substandard ingredients, including fish oil and beef tallow, in the ghee used to prepare Tirupati laddoo&nbsp;prasadams during Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration. Recent lab reports have confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddoos which&nbsp;led to the cancellation of contracts with companies supplying ghee to the temple.

Tamil actor Karthi has apologised to Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, over his comment on the Tirupati laddoo row. Pawan Kalyan had lashed out at Karthi over the latter's remark over the controversy around the temple prasad.

Tamil actor Karthi has apologised to Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, over his comment on the Tirupati laddoo row. Pawan Kalyan had lashed out at Karthi over the latter's remark over the controversy around the temple prasad. What did Karthi say? On September 23, Karthi attended an event in Hyderabad during which the anchor showed a few memes, one of which was about laddoos. To which the actor reacted and said, "Ippudu laddoo gurinchi maatladakodadu (We should not talk about laddoo now), it's a sensitive topic manakoddadi (we don’t want)." The actor laughed off the matter of animal fat being used in the laddoos which did not go down well with many, including Pawan Kalyan. Soon after, Pawan lashed out at the actor and said, "Don’t you dare say it is a sensitive issue or make jokes about the Tirupati Laddoo. I respect you as an actor, I urge everyone from the film fraternity to either support this fight or stay silent. I would request everyone to refrain from making unnecessary remarks." On Tuesday, Karthi issued a public apology to Pawan Kalyan and wrote, "Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards." Dear @PawanKalyan sir, with deep respects to you, I apologize for any unintended misunderstanding caused. As a humble devotee of Lord Venkateswara, I always hold our traditions dear. Best regards. — Karthi (@Karthi_Offl) September 24, 2024 × Pawan Kalyan responded to Karthi apology post and said he understood that the Ponniyin Selvan star did not make the remark intentionally. The Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh wrote on X, "Dear @Karthi_Offl garu, I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and swift response, as well as the respect you've shown towards our shared traditions. Matters concerning our sacred institutions, like Tirupati and its revered laddus, carry deep emotional weight for millions of devotees, and it’s essential for all of us to handle such topics with care." "That said, I wanted to bring this to your notice with no intentions behind it, and I understand the situation was unintentional. Our responsibility as public figures is to foster unity and respect, especially regarding what we cherish most—our culture and spiritual values. Let's always strive to uplift these values while continuing to inspire through cinema." "I would also like to express my admiration for you as a remarkable actor whose dedication and talent have consistently enriched our cinema." "Wishing you, @Suriya_offl garu, #Jyotika garu, and the entire team at @2D_ENTPVTLTD a successful release of #Meiyazhagan / #SathyamSundaram. May it resonate with audience and bring joy to many (sic)." Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan is observing an 11-day-long prayaschitta diksha, a purification ritual. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu previously accused the usage of substandard ingredients, including fish oil and beef tallow, in the ghee used to prepare Tirupati laddoo prasadams during Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration. Recent lab reports have confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddoos which led to the cancellation of contracts with companies supplying ghee to the temple.

Karthi apologises to Pawan Kalyan over his remarks on Tirupati Laddoo controversy 