₹50 Lakh bribe uncovered in Tirupati laddu scandal: Ex-TTD chairman's aide implicated

Tirupati (The Uttam Hindu): A sensational revelation has emerged regarding the prasad (laddus) offered to the millions of devotees who visit the Tirupati temples, the country's famous pilgrimage site, every year. Last year, a case surfaced alleging the use of ghee mixed with animal fat in these laddus, which reached the Supreme Court.

The investigation into this case has now revealed a large bribe of ₹50 lakh. The investigation report states that the irregularities occurred in the supply of ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). This amount was given to K. Chinnappanna, an assistant to YV Subba Reddy, the then chairman of the Tirupati Temple Trust.

A bribe of 50 lakh rupees was delivered in Delhi

According to the investigation, K. Chinnappanna, personal assistant to YV Subba Reddy (then a Lok Sabha MP and now a Rajya Sabha member), received ₹50 lakh in cash. This money was transferred through hawala agents from a UP-based company called Agri Foods Private Limited.

The investigation revealed that Aman Gupta, a Delhi-based agent, gave them ₹20 lakh. Vijay Gupta, a senior company executive, then paid the remaining amount. Both transactions took place near the Patel Nagar Metro station in Delhi.

A Supreme Court-ordered investigation revealed the secrets

Last year, the matter sparked considerable controversy, with allegations of compromising the sanctity of the prasad. When the matter reached the Supreme Court, the bench ordered the formation of an investigation committee comprising the CBI, state police, and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The team's investigation has revealed several shocking revelations. The investigation states that four companies were involved in supplying ghee for the laddus. These companies tampered with documents and manipulated prices to win the tender. Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Milk Private Limited produced this ghee at its Roorkee plant, using palm oil and chemicals. This adulterated ghee was supplied through three other companies (Shri Vaishnavi Dairy, Malganga Milk & Agro Products, and AR Dairy Foods). A total of 60.37 lakh kg of ghee was sold for ₹240.8 crore.

According to an NDTV report, the investigation also revealed that the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru had confirmed the adulteration of the ghee. Despite this, the supply continued until

2024, raising serious questions about the complicity of officials in the entire matter.