CM Naidu Alleges Bathroom Cleaner Chemicals in Tirupati Laddu Ghee
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu claimed Tirupati laddus were made with ghee containing bathroom cleaner chemicals (LABSA) during the previous YSRCP government. He cited large purchases of LABSA by a dairy supplier. However, the CBI SIT chargesheet, while mentioning LABSA was sold to the supplier, did not state it was used to manufacture ghee. The chargesheet instead listed palm oil and other chemicals as adulterants. Naidu has since formed a committee to investigate further.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ignited a controversy by claiming that Tirupati laddus were prepared with adulterated ghee, specifically alleging that chemicals used for cleaning bathrooms, such as Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA), were mixed into the ghee during the previous YSRCP government's tenure. Naidu cited an unusually large purchase of 8900 kg of LABSA by Harsh Fresh Dairy, a company accused of supplying adulterated ghee, as suspicious evidence. However, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CBI, while acknowledging that Delhi-based Aristio Chemicals sold LABSA to Harsh Fresh Dairy, did not conclude that this chemical was directly used in the manufacturing of ghee for the laddus. The CBI's chargesheet primarily indicated the use of other adulterants like palm oil, palm kernel oil, beta-carotene, acetic acid ester, lactic acid, monoglyceride, and ghee flavour. Crucially, the lab reports mentioned in the chargesheet found no evidence of animal fat, which was a claim made by the Naidu government earlier. Naidu made these statements during a public address in Kurnool and, denying a clean chit to the YSRCP, announced the constitution of a one-man committee to thoroughly examine the investigation report, identify any lapses, and assign responsibility.
