Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Demands Expanded Investigation in TTD Ghee Adulteration Scandal
In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh state cabinet convened on Monday and resolved to seek a more comprehensive investigation into the criminal culpability of former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman Y V Subba Reddy, along with other officials implicated in the alleged adulteration of ghee supplied for the preparation of sacred laddu prasadam.
Extended Deliberations and Firm Conclusions
The cabinet engaged in an extensive discussion lasting over three hours, meticulously reviewing the report submitted by the Central Bureau of Investigation-led Special Investigation Team (SIT). After thorough examination, the cabinet unanimously concluded that all individuals involved and responsible for the adulteration of the sacred prasadam must face prosecution and be formally considered as accused in the case.
SIT Recommendations and Government Response
Beyond filing a final supplementary charge sheet, the SIT presented an 11-page report to the state government, explicitly recommending disciplinary and legal action against senior TTD officials and other personnel within the procurement department. While certain officials were already named as accused in the charge sheet, the SIT advised taking appropriate action against the erring procurement committee members and senior TTD officers, including:
- Then executive officer Anil Kumar Singhal
- Additional executive officer A V Dharma Reddy
- Financial advisor and chief accounts officer O Balaji
Critical Findings from the SIT Report
The SIT report highlighted several alarming procedural lapses. It noted that tender conditions, which were strengthened in July 2019, were inexplicably changed or diluted within a mere five months, lacking any valid justification. Key relaxations included:
- Waiving the requirement of three years of prior experience
- Reducing the annual turnover threshold from Rs 250 crore
- Lowering the milk procurement condition from 4 lakh litres
These modifications effectively paved the way for ineligible dairies to participate in the tendering process, compromising the quality and sanctity of the procured ghee.
Scientific Evidence of Adulteration
The SIT report referenced findings from the Centre for Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), which conclusively identified adulteration in ghee supplied by three specific dairies:
- Premier Agri Foods
- Vyshnavi Dairy
- Bhole Baba Dairy
The CFTRI analysis detected the presence of beta-sitosterol, a clear indicator of adulteration. Despite being aware of these test results, supply agreements were approved by Singhal, Dharma Reddy, and Balaji without due diligence, leading to a significant dilution of quality safeguards in the ghee procured by TTD.
Government's Proactive Measures
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu proposed the formation of a dedicated committee to scrutinize the administrative lapses within TTD and recommend suitable actions against all involved parties. The cabinet promptly approved this proposal, underscoring the government's commitment to accountability.
Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav elaborated on the cabinet's decision, stating that all individuals involved, including former chairman Subba Reddy—who was aware of the adulteration yet failed to take corrective action—along with Dharma Reddy, Singhal, and other responsible officials, must be treated as accused in the case.
Future Legal Course of Action
The cabinet will review the charge sheet filed by the SIT once the court takes cognizance of the matter. If the erring officials and those in high-ranking positions are not included as accused, the government will seek legal advice from the advocate general and subsequently make an informed decision. This may involve filing an application before the trial court to prosecute those not named in the initial charge sheet.
Key Observations from the SIT Report
- Former TTD chairman Y V Subba Reddy had prior knowledge of the report confirming ghee adulteration.
- Chivereddy Bhaskar Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, as part of the procurement committee, approved the relaxation of tender norms.
- The relaxation of tender norms facilitated the entry of ineligible dairies that supplied adulterated ghee.
- The CFTRI report identified beta-sitosterol in ghee supplied by Bhole Baba, Premier, and Vyshnavi dairies.
- Subba Reddy, Dharma Reddy, Anil Kumar Singhal, O Balaji, Chevireddy, Karunakar Reddy, and others were not named as accused by the SIT.
- The government may file an application before the trial court seeking to prosecute those not named as accused in the charge sheet.
