Andhra Pradesh High Court Rejects Bail in Tirupati Ghee Adulteration Case
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has firmly denied bail to a public servant involved in the high-profile Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) adulterated ghee scandal. Justice Dr Y Lakshmana Rao dismissed the bail plea of Kanduru Chinnappanna, emphasizing that his release might seriously hinder the ongoing investigation.
Court Cites Gravity of Allegations and Global Devotee Sentiments
In its order dated December 15, 2025, the court highlighted the severe nature of the accusations. It stated that the act of supplying adulterated ghee for temple laddus has "defiled the sentiments of crores of devotees worldwide." The court found the bail request neither convincing nor reasonable, given the gravity of the case.
The court noted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), mandated by the Supreme Court, is conducting a deeper probe into the larger conspiracy. While main ghee suppliers have received bail after the statutory period, the investigation into Chinnappanna's alleged role remains at a critical juncture.
Substantial Incriminating Evidence Uncovered
Investigators have gathered significant evidence against the petitioner. Chinnappanna allegedly received substantial bribes from ghee suppliers. He acquired 13 plots and one flat between 2021 and 2024, despite his salary totaling only around Rs 65 lakh during that period.
Bank transactions in his State Bank of India and Union Bank of India accounts show amounts reaching approximately Rs 4.60 crore. The petitioner has not cooperated fully with the investigation, failing to disclose who instructed him to interfere in TTD affairs or demand money from suppliers.
Case Background and Legal Framework
The case originated from a 2024 FIR filed at Tirupati East Police Station. It alleges that adulterated and substandard cow ghee was supplied to the Tirupati temple for making laddus offered to devotees. The FIR includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for adulteration, criminal breach of trust, cheating, conspiracy, and outraging religious feelings, along with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Chinnappanna, listed as accused number 24, served as a public worker in various roles for the Andhra Pradesh government from 2019 to 2024. The prosecution claims he demanded a commission of Rs 25 per kilogram of ghee after TTD awarded a tender to Bhole Baba Organic Dairy.
Arguments from Both Sides
Advocate C Nageswara Rao, representing the petitioner, argued that Chinnappanna was falsely implicated. He contended that the petitioner cooperated with investigators and never worked directly for TTD. Rao also stated that the investigation exceeded the Supreme Court's mandate by focusing on asset accumulation rather than just ghee adulteration.
Special Public Prosecutor P S P Suresh Kumar opposed the bail plea vigorously. He alleged that Chinnappanna demanded bribes, influenced the tender process, and amassed assets disproportionate to his income. The prosecution highlighted cash deposits and suspected hawala channels used for transactions, with four accused still absconding, necessitating custodial interrogation to uncover the full conspiracy.
Current Status and Implications
Chinnappanna was arrested on October 29, 2025, and has spent 47 days in judicial custody. The court ruled that the period for effective custodial interrogation is not over yet. Investigators need to determine who instructed the petitioner to demand money, the payment methods, and the ultimate beneficiaries of the illegal gains.
Granting bail at this stage would impede the investigation, the court concluded. This decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing crimes that affect public trust and religious sentiments on a global scale.
