Wed Feb 04 04:27:56 UTC 2026: ### Adulterated Ghee Scandal Rocks Tirumala Temple: SIT Report Exposes Widespread Irregularities

The Story:
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court has submitted a damning report to the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of the sacred Tirumala ‘Srivari laddu prasadam’. The 11-page report, covering the period between 2019 and 2024, details serious irregularities, rule violations, and alleged deliberate misconduct within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The report specifically implicates members of the TTD Purchase Committee and senior officials, recommending stringent action against those responsible for compromising the quality of the iconic religious offering.

The SIT’s findings reveal a systematic failure in oversight and accountability, with violations occurring at every stage, from the modification of tender conditions to the procurement and supply of ghee. The adulteration, confirmed by tests conducted at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in May 2022, was allegedly ignored by senior officials, causing outrage among devotees.

Key Points:

  • The SIT report covers the period between 2019 and 2024 and outlines irregularities in the procurement of ghee for Tirumala laddu preparation.
  • The TTD Purchase Committee, including Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, Anil Kumar Singhal, A.V. Dharma Reddy, and O. Balaji, are implicated in the scandal.
  • Tender conditions were allegedly modified in 2020 without due diligence, allowing ineligible companies to participate in the bidding process.
  • Eligibility norms were diluted, including reducing the minimum turnover requirement from ₹250 crore to ₹150 crore and lowering mandatory dairy industry experience.
  • Tests conducted by CFTRI in May 2022 confirmed adulteration, but the findings were allegedly ignored by senior officials.

Key Takeaways:

  • The scandal highlights a significant failure in governance and oversight within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
  • The deliberate relaxation of tender conditions and disregard for quality standards enabled the supply of adulterated ghee, hurting religious sentiments.
  • The report underscores the need for strict accountability and transparency in the procurement processes of religious institutions.
  • The incident likely will trigger a comprehensive review of procurement procedures within TTD and similar organizations.
  • The implicated individuals may face legal and administrative repercussions.

Impact Analysis:

The adulterated ghee scandal has far-reaching implications for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and the broader religious community. The erosion of trust in the sanctity of the ‘Srivari laddu prasadam’ could lead to a decline in donations and a reassessment of the institution’s management. The scandal will inevitably prompt stricter regulatory oversight of religious institutions and their procurement processes, potentially leading to more stringent quality control measures and greater transparency in financial dealings. Furthermore, the legal and administrative actions taken against the implicated individuals will set a precedent for future cases of misconduct within religious organizations, emphasizing the importance of ethical governance and accountability.

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