The Supreme Court has ordered an independent probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the allegations of using animal fat in laddoos served as prasad at the Tirupati temple.

The SIT will comprise two CBI officers, two state police officials, and a senior officer from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the central food regulator, the court said.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said they do not want political drama over this since it is a matter of faith for crores of devotees across the world. The allegations have the potential of hurting the sentiments of people worldwide, the bench said, but did not go into the political charges.

“We clarify that we have not gone into allegations and counter allegations in either plea. We will not permit the court to be used as a political battleground. To assuage feelings of crores of people, we find that an investigation by an independent SIT consisting of representatives of state police, CBI, and FSSAI, shall be done. We also direct that investigation is under the director of CBI,” said Justice Gavai.

The case stems from an allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu that animal fat was used in the making of the laddoos at the temple during the previous regime led by Jagan Mohan Reddy.