11 more named as accused

The investigation into the adulterated ghee scandal that shook the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has intensified, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) adding 11 more individuals to the list of accused. The SIT filed a detailed memo to this effect in the Nellore ACB Court, signaling a significant push forward in the probe.

The State Government had earlier entrusted the sensitive investigation to the SIT, following allegations that substandard and adulterated ghee was supplied to TTD, ghee used for preparing ‘laddu prasadam,’ consumed by millions of devotees each year.

The SIT had initially named 15 people in the case, later adding nine more. With the latest additions, a total of 35 individuals have now been booked, and 10 arrests have been made so far. Notably, seven TTD employees are among the accused, a development that has raised serious concerns over internal irregularities within the temple administration.

According to officials, the newly added accused include key personnel who held crucial roles in TTD’s procurement wing between 2019 and 2024. Those named include former General Managers and senior staff responsible for overseeing purchases. Among them are Jagadishwar Reddy and Muralikrishna, who previously served as GMs in TTD, and Harinaath Reddy, former Director of SV Goshala.

The SIT’s evolving chargesheet suggests widespread lapses and possible collusion within the procurement chain, prompting investigators to scrutinize all supply and quality control mechanisms during the period in question.