TTD Laddu Scandal: Uttarakhand Dairy Among 25 Named in CBI's Final Chargesheet
In a significant development in the high-profile Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu scandal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted its final chargesheet before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Court in Nellore. The chargesheet names a total of 25 individuals and entities, including a prominent Uttarakhand-based dairy, for their alleged involvement in the massive ghee adulteration case that has rocked the temple administration.
Details of the Chargesheet and Accused Parties
According to reports from The Hindu, the chargesheet specifically implicates Bhole Baba Dairy, based in Uttarakhand, for allegedly colluding with certain TTD employees to supply synthetic ghee. This adulterated product was reportedly used in the preparation of the sacred laddu prasadam distributed to devotees at the Tirumala temple. The investigation has revealed that fake ghee, amounting to approximately 68 lakh kilograms and valued at a staggering ₹250 crore, was supplied to the temple management between 2021 and 2024.
The chargesheet names 24 persons as accused, with an additional 12 individuals mentioned for having played roles in the elaborate scam. Among those implicated are external dairy experts who were allegedly involved in securing orders for the supply of the synthetic ghee. Of the nine individuals arrested earlier in the case, six have been granted bail, while the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
Background and Impact of the Scandal
The TTD laddu row, also known as the ghee adulteration case, first came to light last year, sending shockwaves through the temple administration and devotees alike. The scandal involved the substitution of pure ghee with synthetic alternatives in the preparation of the iconic laddus, which are considered a sacred offering at the Tirumala temple. The investigation, which spanned 15 months, has been closely monitored due to its implications for religious practices and public trust.
The finalization of the chargesheet marks a crucial step in the legal process, as authorities seek to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The case highlights broader issues of quality control and oversight in the supply chains of religious institutions, prompting calls for stricter regulations and transparency.
Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings
With the chargesheet now filed, the case will proceed through the judicial system, where the accused will have the opportunity to present their defense. The involvement of a dairy from Uttarakhand underscores the interstate dimensions of the scam, raising questions about coordination between state authorities and central agencies like the CBI.
As the temple management and devotees await further developments, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in the procurement and preparation of religious offerings. The outcome of the legal proceedings is expected to have lasting implications for how such institutions manage their supply chains and ensure the purity of their products.
