Dindigul (Tamil Nadu): Allegations of animal fat being mixed into Tirupati laddu have sparked a nationwide controversy. AR Dairy Foods (B) Limited, based in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, is implicated as it supplied ghee to the Tirupati temple. The company had a contract to deliver 8.50 lakh kg of ghee, with 68,000 kg provided in June and July. However, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) cancelled the contract on July 22, citing poor quality and announced plans to blacklist the supplier.
In light of these allegations, AR Dairy Foods has voluntarily sought to clarify the situation. On September 20, the company's quality control department announced its readiness for inspection. They emphasised that Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams had tested their ghee products prior to delivery.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Anita, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Government Pollution Control Board, collected wastewater samples from the company. Additionally, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) officials conducted a thorough inspection at AR Dairy, taking samples of various products, including milk, ghee, paneer, butter, curd, buttermilk and sweets.
The situation intensified when BJP State Secretary Vinoj P Selvam and BJP Business Unit Vice-President Selvakumar raised concerns via social media. They noted that AR Dairy's head Rajasekaran was allegedly linked to the Palani Murugan Temple's management prompting calls for his removal and a shift in suppliers.
In response, the Tamil Nadu government clarified that ghee for Palani temple prasad is sourced from Aavin, not AR Dairy. They also noted that Rajasekaran's term on the Palani Temple Board had expired last month, meaning he is no longer the chairman.
As the controversy unfolds, a complaint has been lodged against Selvam and Selvakumar at the Palani Adivaram Police Station for allegedly spreading misinformation about the situation.
Read more: Temple Body Claims Sanctity of Tirupati Laddu 'Restored, Unblemished Now'
