Temple Scandal Unveiled: Arrests Made in Tirupati Laddu Ghee Adulteration Case

The CBI's Special Investigation Team has arrested four individuals for ghee adulteration in the Tirumala Srivari Laddu. Investigations uncovered severe lapses in TTD's e-tendering process. Among the accused are directors and CEOs from Bhole Baba, Vaishnavi, and AR Dairy, linked to animal residue-laced ghee supply.

The Central Bureau of Investigation's Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested four individuals on charges of adulterating ghee used in the revered Tirumala temple's laddus. This arrest follows reports of 'severe lapses' in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams' (TTD) e-tendering process, raising serious concerns about accountability.

The individuals taken into custody include Bipin Jain and Pomil Jain from Bhole Baba Dairy, Apoorva Vinay Kant Chawda from Vaishnavi Dairy, and Raju Rajasekharan from AR Dairy. The CBI's findings point to these organizations' involvement in supplying ghee tainted with animal carcass residues, a revelation that has provoked backlash among devotees.

Amidst the ongoing investigation monitored by CBI Joint Director Viresh Prabhu in Tirupati, political reactions have emerged. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Lanka Dinakar confirmed that the apprehended will appear in court, stressing the case's ongoing nature. The TTD Board, led by Bhanu Prakash Reddy, expressed confidence in justice prevailing against those culpable in this scandal.

(With inputs from agencies.)