The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Andhra Pradesh government to probe the alleged 'adulteration' of Tirupati laddus with animal fats has temporarily stopped its investigation.
DGP Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said they stopped the investigation as the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.
"First they (SIT) have to understand the process, study it, and take all the information, but in the meantime, an order has come from the Supreme Court, and in line with that, we have stopped it (probe)," Rao told reporters on Tuesday.
He said the SIT has already probed the procurement and sampling processes and was trying to understand how it is possible to adulterate the laddus.
The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus.
On Monday, the top court came down heavily on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making public statements on the issue.
"It is very clear from the report that this is not the Ghee which has been used. Unless you are sure, how did you go to public with that?" asked a bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan.
"It is not clear at all and it is prima facie indicating that these were rejected Ghee which were subjected to test. If you yourself have ordered an investigation, where is the need to go to the press?" it further asked.
The court posted the matter for hearing on October 3.