Tirupati Laddu Ghee Adulteration Case: SIT Uncovers Systematic Tender Norm Dilution and Report Suppression
In a significant development concerning the Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has submitted an 11-page letter to the Andhra Pradesh government, outlining serious irregularities and alleged deliberate misconduct that occurred between 2019 and 2024. The investigation has revealed that tender norms were systematically diluted, allowing ineligible suppliers to provide adulterated ghee for the sacred laddu prasadam at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala.
Key Findings of the SIT Investigation
The SIT concluded that the procurement of adulterated ghee severely compromised the quality of the laddu prasadam and deeply hurt the sentiments of crores of devotees of Lord Venkateswara. According to the investigation, this was not an accidental lapse but rather the result of deliberate administrative decisions, sustained negligence, and misuse of authority during the previous YSRCP government.
The SIT letter specifically highlights that in 2020, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, arbitrarily relaxed ghee tender conditions without any scientific study, expert consultation, or justification. This occurred despite the same norms having been strengthened in August 2019 to ensure quality and transparency.
How Tender Norms Were Diluted
Under the YSRCP regime, several key eligibility criteria were allegedly diluted, including:
- Reduction of the annual turnover requirement from Rs 250 crore to Rs 150 crore
- Lowering of mandatory dairy experience from three years to one year
- Removal of the requirement to procure four lakh litres of milk per day
- Reduction of milk fat extraction capacity from 12 tonnes to 8 tonnes per day
The SIT has held senior TTD officials responsible for approving and implementing these relaxations without due application of mind and in violation of established procurement safeguards. These officials include financial adviser and chief accounts officer O Balaji, additional executive officer A V Dharmareddy, and then executive officer Anil Kumar Singhal.
Consequences of Tender Norm Dilution
As a result of these relaxed norms, ineligible private dairies with inadequate experience and procurement capacity were allowed to secure TTD ghee tenders, while established cooperative dairies were effectively pushed out of competition. The TTD Purchase Committee, with C Bhaskar Reddy and B Karunakar Reddy (who was TTD chairman) participating as special invitees, recommended these relaxations, which were subsequently approved by the TTD Board in February 2020 during the YSRCP government.
Suppression of Laboratory Reports
Following widespread complaints, ghee samples were sent to the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) on May 25, 2022. The laboratory confirmed adulteration in ghee supplied by Vyshnavi Dairy and Bhole Baba Dairy. Despite this clear scientific confirmation, the SIT found that the reports were ignored and suppressed during the YSRCP regime, with no action taken against the suppliers or responsible officials.
Government Response and Actions
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's office has issued a statement indicating that, acting firmly on the SIT findings, the CM has transferred former TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal and initiated high-level action to ensure accountability for all those involved. The current TDP government has reiterated its commitment to a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation and to strict legal and disciplinary action against everyone responsible, irrespective of position or influence.
The government statement further emphasized that stringent tender norms, food safety standards, and quality control mechanisms will be restored to protect the sanctity of Tirumala Srivari Prasadam and restore public trust. This case has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining rigorous standards for religious offerings that hold deep significance for millions of devotees across India and beyond.
