Tirumala Laddu Scam: SIT Finds Ghee Made Without Milk

The investigation into the Tirumala Srivari laddu ghee scam has finally come to an end. The case created nationwide attention after allegations surfaced that adulterated ghee was used in preparing the sacred laddu prasadam during the YSRCP government period. CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan had publicly accused that animal fat and other harmful substances were mixed, damaging the sanctity of the temple.

Following these developments, the Supreme Court intervened and ordered a Special Investigation Team under the CBI to probe the matter. The SIT conducted a detailed investigation for nearly 15 months and tracked the adulteration network across 12 states.

On Friday, the CBI Special Investigation Team filed its charge sheet in a local court at Nellore. As per the charge sheet, 24 individuals have been named as accused in the case. The investigation clearly pointed to Bole Baba Organic Dairy as the main source of the adulterated ghee used for laddu preparation.

According to the findings, ghee was produced without using milk. Artificial chemicals and palm oil were used instead. The directors of Bole Baba Dairy, Pomal Jain and Vipin Jain, were identified as the key masterminds behind the operation. The charge sheet also states that several companies and individuals from Andhra Pradesh and other states were involved.

Around 30 officials from the CBI and the Food Safety Department jointly investigated the case. Several arrests were made during the probe. The SIT noted that the ghee contract was awarded to Bole Baba Dairy as per a decision taken by the TTD board. Even after receiving information about adulteration, compromises were allegedly made. Warnings from officials were ignored, and lapses were found at the field level as well.

The charge sheet further mentions that some officials overlooked quality standards due to commission interests. With the investigation now completed, the case moves into the legal phase, as devotees and the public await strict action against those responsible.