Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the irregularities in the procedures to procure ghee at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

TTD has introduced a ghee testing system for the first time to ensure the purity of ingredients used in the famous Tirupati laddu prasadam. This initiative, led by Executive Officer Shamala Rao, addresses concerns about adulteration and will blacklist suppliers providing impure products.

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus, the Tirumala Tirupati Deasthanams (TTD), the trusts that manages the temple, has reportedly denied that adulterated ghee that arrived in July was used to prepare the laddus.

In his comments to a Tamil news channel Friday, Kannan, a quality control officer at the Dindigul-based AR Dairy Food, called the allegations “unsubstantiated”.