metro india news  I amaravati

In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through religious and legal circles alike, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday that fake ghee made from palm oil and chemicals was allegedly supplied for the preparation of the sacred Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu prasadam. The CBI accused Bhole Baba Dairy, already blacklisted by TTD, of masterminding the racket using proxy firms to circumvent scrutiny.

The revelations came during a hearing on the bail petitions of key accused in the case, including A.R. Dairy MD Raju Rajasekharan, Bhole Baba Organic Dairy directors Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain, and Vaishnavi Dairy CEO Apoorva Vinaykant Chawda.

The controversy dates back to the previous YSRCP government’s tenure, during which several contracts were awarded to private dairies for ghee supply. Following public and media outcry, the Supreme Court had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of substandard and adulterated ghee being supplied to TTD — an institution revered by millions.

According to CBI counsel PSP Suresh Kumar, Bhole Baba Dairy, despite being blacklisted by TTD, orchestrated the supply scam by fronting A.R. Dairy and Vaishnavi Dairy to enter into contracts. The SIT reportedly found that Bhole Baba Dairy lacked even the basic infrastructure to manufacture ghee and had sourced no milk from farmers — a claim farmers themselves corroborated.

“The so-called ghee was nothing but a chemical concoction made of palm oil and other substances,” the CBI stated, adding that WhatsApp group chats have been recovered indicating a deliberate and well-planned conspiracy.

The CBI further alleged that the accused have attempted to influence and intimidate key witnesses. One such witness, Sanjeev Jain, was reportedly assaulted and forcibly sent back to Delhi via Chennai after landing in Tirupati on April 7 to testify. Another accused, Ashish Rohilla, who was ready to turn approver, allegedly found a bail petition submitted in his name without his knowledge. He later complained to the High Court registrar via email, according to the CBI.

“In such circumstances, granting bail would endanger witnesses and hinder the investigation,” the CBI argued, requesting the court to reject the petitions. Defending the accused, senior counsels C.V. Mohan Reddy and S. Sriram argued that the petitioners have been in jail for over four months, and the investigation — including the SIT’s chargesheet — is complete. They emphasized the accused are suffering from health issues and are prepared to comply with any bail conditions imposed by the court.

They also argued that only A.R. Dairy had a formal agreement with TTD and that the directors of Bhole Baba and Vaishnavi Dairies had no direct involvement in the supply process. After hearing both sides, Justice TCD Shekar deferred the matter to June 17, agreeing to a request from the defense for more time.

As the investigation deepens and more layers unfold in what is emerging as one of the most embarrassing frauds linked to temple sanctity in recent memory, all eyes are now on the next court hearing. The case not only raises questions about procurement transparency at TTD but also points to larger lapses in governance and oversight during the previous regime.