New Delhi: Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Monday appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the case of adulteration of Tirupati laddu with animal fat and start an investigation to identify the culprits. This demand was made to the apex court during the meeting of the Central Guidance Board of VHP in Tirupati. VHP International Secretary Bajrang Bagda and other saints attended the meeting.

The VHP's request comes in the wake of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's recent claim that the previous YSRCP government did not even spare the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple and used substandard material and animal fat in making the Tirupati laddu, famous for its unique taste.

Demand for severe punishment to the culprits

In a press release, VHP said, "The Supreme Court should take suo motu cognizance of this matter and investigate it within a fixed time period to identify the culprits of this unpardonable crime and give them severe punishment."

At the same time, VHP said that there is no scope for negligence and delay in this matter because in case of this, a nationwide movement can be launched by Hindus. They are already angry on this issue. According to VHP, the incident has hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees of Sri Venkateswara Swamy all over the world, because Laddu Prasadam is considered and consumed as a divine blessing with utmost faith.

Subramanian Swamy filed a petition in the Supreme Court

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding an investigation into the use of animal fat in making Tirupati's laddu prasad. He requested the apex court to direct the Andhra Pradesh government to file a detailed report on the source and sample of ghee used in making laddus. Swamy also posted about his petition on X. He said that the adulteration of Tirupati Tirumala temple prasad with animal fat has hurt the sentiments of the devotees.

Former TTD chairman also reached the apex court, demanding investigation by an independent committee

Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam chairman and YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the formation of an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to probe allegations of animal fat in ghee used to make Tirupati laddu. It said there is a need to find out the truth behind the allegations of adulteration. Since Naidu has alleged that the ghee contains animal fat, the agency working under him can also say the same.