In a scandal that has shaken the faith of millions, the CBI has exposed a massive food adulteration racket involving the sacred laddu prasadam at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)—one of India’s most revered temples. The investigation reveals how 68 lakh kg of fake ghee worth ₹250 crore was allegedly supplied over five years, contaminating offerings consumed by countless devotees.
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Tirupati Ghee Scam: The Shocking Numbers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fake Ghee | 68 lakh kg (6,800 metric tons) |
| Scam Value | ₹250 crore |
| Period | 2014-2019 (initial), continued till 2024 |
| Main Supplier | Bhole Baba Organic Dairy, Uttarakhand |
| Promoters | Pomil Jain & Vipin Jain |
| Adulterants Used | Animal fat, monodiglycerides, acetic acid ester |
| Investigation Agency | CBI & Special Investigation Team (SIT) |
| Blacklist Date | 2022 (continued supply via other dairies) |
How the Sacred Laddu Got Contaminated
The investigation uncovered a disturbing modus operandi: Bhole Baba Organic Dairy allegedly supplied 68 lakh kg of ghee to TTD between 2014 and 2019 without procuring any milk or butter during the period. This impossible math was the first red flag.
The dairy, run from Bhagwanpur in Uttarakhand, reportedly set up a fake ghee manufacturing unit and forged records of milk procurement and payments. Instead of pure cow ghee, they used cheap adulterants including animal fat and industrial chemicals.
For millions who visit Tirupati annually, the laddu prasadam represents divine blessing. Discovering that this sacred offering was contaminated with animal fat has triggered outrage across India, especially among vegetarian devotees who consider it a grave religious violation.
The Chemical Cocktail in Your Prasadam
The Special Investigation Team uncovered details following the arrest of Ajay Kumar Sugandh, who allegedly supplied chemicals such as monodiglycerides and acetic acid ester to Bhole Baba Organic Dairy.
These industrial additives, typically used to mimic ghee’s texture and appearance, pose serious health risks when consumed over time. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has strict regulations against such adulteration, making this not just a religious violation but a significant public health concern.
For more updates on food safety scandals and consumer protection issues, stay connected with our coverage.
The Brazen Continuation After Blacklisting
Here’s where the audacity deepens. Although the dairy was blacklisted in 2022, it allegedly continued supplying adulterated ghee to TTD by routing contracts through other dairies, including Tirupati-based Vyshnavi Dairy, UP-based Mal Ganga, and Tamil Nadu-based AR Dairy Foods.
The CBI discovered an even more shocking detail: four containers of adulterated ghee mixed with animal fat, rejected by TTD in July last year, were re-supplied to the temple trust through Vyshnavi Dairy. This shows the scam wasn’t just opportunistic—it was systematic and persistent.
The Missing Tankers Mystery
An inspection by FSSAI officials and the SIT at AR Dairy’s Dindigul plant revealed that four ghee tankers never returned to the facility. Instead, they were reportedly diverted to a local stone-crushing unit near the Vyshnavi Dairy plant.
This bizarre discovery suggests the network was larger and more complex than initially suspected, with multiple accomplices facilitating the fraud.
TTD: India’s Richest Temple Trust Under Scanner
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams manages the sacred Venkateswara Temple atop the seven hills of Tirumala, attracting 50,000-100,000 pilgrims daily. The temple’s annual revenue exceeds ₹3,000 crore, making it one of the wealthiest religious institutions globally.
The laddu prasadam, prepared daily by the thousands, is not just food—it’s considered a sacred offering that devotees cherish. For faith-based tourism and religious institutions, maintaining sanctity is paramount.
What Happens Next?
The CBI investigation is ongoing, with more arrests expected. The TTD management has tightened procurement protocols and instituted mandatory lab testing for all ghee supplies. Legal experts suggest those involved could face charges under:
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Indian Penal Code (cheating, forgery)
- Prevention of Food Adulteration Act
The scandal has also triggered political debates in Andhra Pradesh about oversight mechanisms for temple trusts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tirupati laddu prasadam safe to consume now?
Yes, current laddu prasadam is safe. After the scam was exposed and the dairy blacklisted in 2022, TTD has implemented stringent quality control measures including mandatory laboratory testing of all ghee supplies before use. The temple management has also revised procurement protocols and increased oversight. However, the investigation revealed contamination occurred between 2014-2024 through various suppliers.
Who is responsible for quality control at Tirupati Temple?
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust, which manages the temple, is responsible for all procurement and quality control. The trust operates under the Andhra Pradesh government’s supervision. Following this scandal, there are demands for independent third-party quality audits and stronger regulatory oversight by FSSAI to prevent future adulteration in temple offerings across India.
