Sat Jan 24 03:40:00 UTC 2026: ### TTD Ghee Adulteration Scandal: SIT Files Charge Sheet in ₹235 Crore Misappropriation

The Story:
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a final charge sheet exposing a major adulteration scandal at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during the YSRCP’s tenure from 2019-2024. The investigation revealed that approximately 60 lakh kilograms of adulterated ghee, disguised as pure ghee, was supplied to TTD. This counterfeit ghee was used to prepare over 20.01 crore SriVari Laddus and other prasadam, leading to a misappropriation of ₹235 crore in TTD funds. The SIT alleges collusion between TTD officials, dairy representatives, and the then TTD Chairman’s PA, resulting in the compromise of devotees’ sentiments and significant financial losses.

Key Points:

  • ₹235 crore misappropriation of TTD funds through the supply of adulterated ghee.
  • 60 lakh kilograms of fake ghee supplied between 2019-2024, used in making 20.01 crore Laddus.
  • The fake ghee was a mixture of palm oil, palm kernel oil, and chemicals like beta-carotene for aroma.
  • Then TTD Chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy’s PA, K. Chinna Appanna, allegedly negotiated with dairy representatives and received bribes via hawala.
  • Chinna Appanna received ₹4.69 crore in his bank accounts between 2019 and 2024, out of which ₹4.64 crore was transferred to other accounts.
  • Tender rules were relaxed in 2019, allowing dairies without prior experience or sufficient turnover to participate.
  • SIT questioned former TTD chairmen Y.V. Subba Reddy, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, and EO Dharma Reddy, among others.
  • A 600-page charge sheet names 36 individuals, including TTD employees, officials, and dairy representatives.

Critical Analysis:
The cluster of news events in January 2026 reveals a disturbing trend of food adulteration incidents across India. The TTD ghee scandal stands out because of its large scale, religious implications, and alleged high-level corruption. The timing of the charge sheet by the CBI-led SIT coincides with other cases related to the Sabarimala temple ghee sale irregularity, unsafe pickle, ghee and jaggery busted in Rajasthan which points towards a larger systemic issue. The prioritization of profit over religious sanctity and public health, enabled by relaxed regulations and alleged corruption, highlights a significant lapse in governance and oversight.

Key Takeaways:

  • Corruption within religious institutions can lead to significant financial losses and compromised religious practices.
  • Relaxing tender rules without proper due diligence can open doors for fraudulent activities.
  • Hawala transactions were allegedly used to facilitate bribery.
  • The scale of the adulteration highlights the need for stricter quality control measures.
  • Accountability needs to be enforced at all levels to prevent future occurrences.

Impact Analysis:

The TTD ghee adulteration scandal is likely to have long-term repercussions on the reputation of the temple and the trust placed in its administration by millions of devotees. The incident may lead to increased scrutiny of TTD’s procurement processes and a demand for greater transparency and accountability. Future impact will likely include:

  • Overhaul of TTD’s procurement processes and quality control measures.
  • Increased public distrust in religious institutions and their management.
  • Stricter regulations for food safety and procurement of religious offerings.
  • Potential for further investigations and prosecutions related to the scandal.
  • A push for greater transparency and accountability in the management of religious institutions.

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