A CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered a ₹250 crore scandal involving 68 lakh kilograms of adulterated or fake ghee supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) between 2019 and 2024 without ever purchasing milk or butter from any source, according to the times of India.
The ghee, used to prepare the sacred Tirupati Laddu prasadam, was allegedly sourced from Bhole Baba Organic Dairy, which fabricated procurement records despite never buying milk or butter. The dairy supplied substandard ghee through multiple proxy suppliers despite being blacklisted in 2022.
Adulterants included palm oil mixed with chemicals and even animal fat, compromising the sanctity of the temple offerings. SIT arrested Delhi-based chemical trader Ajay Kumar Sugandha, named in the case.
Background: The Reach and Impact of the Scandal
The reported scandal emerged after routine quality checks and laboratory tests detected impurity in the ghee supplied to TTD’s prasadam. Bhole Baba Dairy, based in Uttarakhand and run by promoters Pomil and Vipin Jain, allegedly delivered adulterated ghee without any genuine milk procurement.
The alleged fraud extended through proxy arrangements involving dairies from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Tirupati, with rejected ghee tankers being repurposed after minimal refinement.
Since TTD relies heavily on this ghee, approximately 15,000 kg daily, for laddu preparation, the adulteration incident deeply shocked devotees and raised serious food safety concerns affecting faith and trust.
The controversy began in September 2024 when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that TTD laddus had been adulterated with animal fat during the previous administration. Following this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established under court directives to scrutinize procurement records, supply chains, and quality-testing procedures for the ghee used by TTD.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This grievous compromise of sacred resources for profit is a flagrant breach of ethics and a betrayal of the spiritual sentiments of millions. It underscores the necessity for uncompromising integrity, transparent procurement, and vigilant oversight in public and religious trusts.
The Logical Indian advocates not just prosecution but systematic reforms to prevent such breaches, honouring devotees’ faith and upholding India’s cultural heritage.
