CBI Chargesheet Reveals Synthetic Adulteration in Tirupati Laddu, Clears Animal Fat Allegations
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its final chargesheet in the high-profile Tirupati laddu adulteration case, delivering a shocking revelation that contradicts earlier political claims. According to the chargesheet, the sacred laddu prasadam distributed at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was adulterated with synthetic laboratory materials rather than animal fats like beef tallow or lard.
Details of the CBI Investigation and Findings
The chargesheet, filed on January 23 before the Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Nellore, presents detailed forensic evidence about the nature of the adulteration. Investigators discovered that the ghee used in laddu preparation between 2019 and 2024 was contaminated with vegetable oils and laboratory esters specifically designed to mimic dairy parameters in chemical tests.
The CBI explicitly stated that no animal fat was found in the samples tested, directly contradicting allegations made by political leaders in 2024 that had sparked widespread controversy and religious outrage.
Political Fallout and YSRCP's Demands
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which was in power in Andhra Pradesh during the alleged adulteration period, has seized upon the CBI findings to demand accountability from opposition leaders. YSRCP State Co-ordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has called for former Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu to either substantiate or retract his 2024 allegations about animal fat adulteration.
"The propaganda machinery and Chandrababu are still trying to maintain and again blame that all the adulteration was done only during 2019-24 instead of accepting the mistake," Reddy stated during a press conference on Friday. "They are still trying to pick holes and level baseless allegations only to cover up his foolhardiness."
Background of the Controversy and Investigation
The controversy originated in 2024 when Naidu and his deputy CM Pawan Kalyan alleged that the sacred Tirupati laddu had been adulterated with "animal fat," creating a major political and religious storm. The Supreme Court intervened in October 2024, leading to the formation of a CBI special investigation team to probe the matter thoroughly.
The investigation revealed troubling details about the supply chain:
- Bhole Baba Organic Dairy, based in Bhagwanpur, Uttarakhand, operated as a "virtual" manufacturing unit
- The dairy procured no milk or butter at its facility between 2019 and 2024
- Despite this, it managed to supply at least 68 kilograms of ghee to TTD
- The synthetically manufactured ghee was valued at approximately ₹250 crore
Technical Details of the Adulteration
The chargesheet provides specific technical information about how the adulteration was accomplished. Investigators found that Acetic Acid Esters, supplied by Delhi-based trader Ajay Kumar Sugandh (identified as Accused No. 16), were used to artificially spike the RM value of the ghee. This created a "false positive" for pure ghee in standard laboratory tests, allowing the synthetic product to pass as authentic.
This sophisticated adulteration method explains how the synthetic ghee evaded detection for years despite regular quality checks and testing protocols.
Religious Sentiments and Political Accountability
The YSRCP has emphasized the religious dimension of the controversy, noting that Naidu's original allegations "hurt the sentiments of devotees across the globe." The party demands that the former Chief Minister "owes an explanation" since the investigation was initiated specifically in response to his remarks.
Reddy added, "The YSRCP has demanded that Chandrababu either own his remarks about adulteration of the laddu with animal fat or issue a categorical statement in light of the lab reports, which state that no animal fat was found in the laddus."
The case continues to highlight the intersection of food safety, religious sentiment, and political accountability in India, with the CBI chargesheet now providing definitive forensic evidence that clarifies the actual nature of the adulteration while raising new questions about supply chain integrity and regulatory oversight.
