A storm of controversy has erupted over the use of animal fat in the preparation of the famed Tirupati laddus, the sacred offering at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. High Court Advocate K. Karuna Sagar expressed his shock and outrage on Sunday, claiming that lab reports confirmed the presence of beef, pork, and fish oil in the low-quality ghee used to make the laddus. He believes this to be a deliberate attack on Hindu sentiments, calling it a conspiracy.
This controversy comes after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged the use of substandard ingredients, including animal fat, during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure.
Following these allegations, Advocate Sagar filed a complaint against former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman, board members, and officials at the Saidabad Police Station in Hyderabad. He strongly condemned the use of animal fat in the sacred laddu prasadam, stating that it has been an integral part of Hindu faith for over 300 years, symbolizing divine blessings and an essential component of the spiritual experience.
Adding fuel to the fire, Surjit Singh Yadav, President of Hindu Sena Samiti, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court on Saturday. The PIL seeks the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations and demands the registration of a complaint, investigation, and prosecution of individuals involved in the alleged mixing of animal fat.
Telangana Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also demanded strict action against those responsible, with VHP Vice President Ram Singh calling for immediate arrests and punishment. He warned that if the government fails to act, Hindu organizations like Bjarang Dal, Sangh Parivar, and devotees of Balaji would take matters into their own hands.
The controversy has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability from the authorities. The allegations have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus who consider the Tirupati laddu a symbol of divine blessings. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to these serious allegations and whether the investigation will uncover the truth behind the use of animal fat in the sacred offering.
