Tirupati Laddoo Row: Shocking Revelation — Adulterated Ghee Used in 20 Crore Laddoos at TTD Temple
TTD Board Chairman Confirms Massive Adulteration of Ghee Used Between 2019–2024; SIT Questions Former Officials
Tirupati Laddoo Row:
In a stunning revelation, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board Chairman B.R. Naidu has confirmed that 20 crore Tirupati laddoos distributed between 2019 and 2024 were made using adulterated ghee. The disclosure has triggered shock and concern among millions of devotees worldwide.
According to Naidu, out of the 48.76 crore laddoos distributed over the five-year period, nearly 20 crore laddoos were prepared using contaminated ghee. This calculation was derived based on temple footfall, procurement records, production capacity, and sales data.
SIT Questions Former TTD Chairman
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its probe into the adulteration scandal. It recently questioned former TTD Chairman and YSRCP MP Y.V. Subba Reddy for nearly eight hours.
SIT officials confronted him about why tankers carrying adulterated ghee were approved despite laboratory reports confirming contamination. Reddy denied wrongdoing, claiming that such reports were never placed before him and all purchases were made in line with the technical committee’s recommendations.
His former assistant Chinna Appanna has already been arrested in connection with the case.
Supplementary Chargesheet Expected by December 15
The SIT has also interrogated former Executive Officer A.V. Dharma Reddy. The investigators have informed the Nellore court that a supplementary chargesheet will likely be filed by December 15.
Sources reveal that around 11 crore devotees visited the Tirumala temple during this five-year period, but it is impossible to identify which devotees consumed laddoos made with adulterated ghee. Even VIP laddoos were indistinguishable, making tracking impossible.
Supreme Court Ordered SIT Probe
The controversy surfaced last year after questions were raised about the quality of ghee used in the iconic Tirupati laddoos. With millions of devotees’ faith at stake, the matter reached the Supreme Court, which, in October of the previous year, ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
₹250 Crore Worth of Adulterated Ghee Supplied
The SIT investigation has uncovered that nearly 68 lakh kg of adulterated ghee, valued at ₹250 crore, was supplied to TTD. The contaminated ghee contained palm oil, palm kernel oil, and other harmful substances.
The adulterated ghee was reportedly supplied by Bhola Baba Dairy (Uttarakhand) and several of its shell companies, now under strict scrutiny.
