Hans News Service Tirupati

Expressinggrave concern over escalating public health hazards, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has demanded immediate criminal action against hotel managements in Tirupati found selling rotten, infested, and adulterated food to the public. Led by CPI City Secretary J Viswanath, party activists staged a massive dharna at the Tirupati Municipal Corporation office on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, CPI State Executive Member A Ramanaidu and District Secretary P Murali alleged that a cross-section of eateries, ranging from street-side stalls to prominent star hotels, are actively serving spoiled meat. They claimed that inspections by citizens revealed shocking instances of stale chicken and mutton being stored for days in insect-infested freezers before being reheated and sold. Ramanaidu launched a sharp attack against the local municipal and food safety departments, charging officials with absolute complacency and alleging that several high-profile hoteliers enjoy the backing of local political heavyweights. The leaders reminded authorities that Tirupati accommodates an average floating population of over 75,000 pilgrims daily, making food safety an uncompromisable public responsibility.

They added that the menace is not restricted to non-vegetarian joints, as multiple vegetarian restaurants are routinely using rotten vegetables and fruits. The CPI urged the District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, and District SP to initiate continuous monitoring of meat markets and eateries, warning that failure to enforce strict penal actions would compel the party to mobilize public agitations directly outside offending hotels.