The CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed its final chargesheet in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu ghee adulteration case, naming 36 accused in what investigators describe as one of the largest procurement frauds linked to a religious institution. The case concerns the alleged supply of synthetic ghee to the temple trust between 2021 and 2024, instead of pure dairy-based ghee used in preparing the iconic Tirupati laddu prasadam.
Alleged Supply of 68 Lakh Kg Synthetic Ghee
According to the chargesheet filed before the ACB court in Nellore, Uttarakhand-based Bhole Baba Dairy allegedly supplied nearly 68 lakh kilograms of synthetic ghee, valued at around Rs 250 crore, to TTD. Investigators claim the dairy’s promoters, Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain, conspired with TTD procurement officials, external dairy experts and representatives of other dairies. The SIT alleged that the accused secured large supply contracts despite not procuring sufficient milk to produce genuine ghee.
Collusion Within the Procurement System
The probe found that several TTD procurement staff members and external consultants allegedly facilitated the fraud. Investigators stated that favourable quality reports were issued, enabling the continued supply of adulterated material. Former TTD procurement general manager RSSVR Subrahmanyam and external dairy expert Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy have been named among those accused of playing key roles in the alleged conspiracy.
Arrests and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Of the 36 accused, nine individuals were arrested, while six later secured bail. Three accused, including a Delhi-based chemicals supplier, remain in judicial custody. The Supreme Court ordered the CBI-SIT investigation in October 2024. The SIT included officials from the CBI, Andhra Pradesh Police and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Implications for Dairy Procurement and Food Safety
The case has raised serious concerns about quality control, procurement transparency and traceability in large-scale dairy supply chains. Experts say the scandal highlights the need for stricter verification of raw material sourcing and more robust testing protocols, particularly where dairy ingredients are used in high-volume public or religious food programmes. As legal proceedings move forward, the case could prompt tighter regulatory oversight and reforms in institutional dairy procurement systems across the country.
