Tirupati ÄSP  Venkata Rao was appointed as the Investigation Officer by the CBI  and played a pivotal role in coordinatingl inquiries. Under the guidance of senior officials, the SIT prepared questionnaires, examined accused persons, scrutinised supply-chain records and verified laboratory test reports

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Tirumala laddu ghee adulteration case has concluded its investigation and filed a comprehensive chargesheet before the Nellore ACB Court, marking a major milestone in one of the most high-profile food safety scandals in the country.

According to officials, the SIT investigation spanned nearly 15 months and extended across 12 states, uncovering an extensive network involved in the supply and circulation of adulterated ghee allegedly used in the preparation of the sacred Tirumala laddus. The case, which triggered nationwide outrage due to the religious significance of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), drew intense political and public scrutiny.

While the origins of the adulterated ghee were initially believed to be in Tamil Nadu, the SIT identified Bole Baba Dairy directors Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain as the key masterminds behind the operation. Investigators revealed that multiple firms and individuals from Andhra Pradesh and 12 other states played roles at various stages of procurement, transportation, documentation, and supply.

In the chargesheet, the SIT named 24 individuals as accused, while informing the court that the involvement of an additional 12 persons had also emerged during the investigation. Authorities stated that further legal action would depend on court directions and supplementary evidence.

The investigation was initially launched by the Andhra Pradesh government following widespread protests and demands for accountability after allegations surfaced that adulterated ghee had been used in laddu preparation at Tirumala. Subsequently, acting on the directions of the Supreme Court, the probe was placed under the leadership of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team.

Tirupati Additional Superintendent of Police Venkata Rao was appointed as the Investigation Officer by the CBI Director and played a pivotal role in coordinating field-level inquiries. Under the guidance of senior central officials, the SIT prepared detailed questionnaires, examined accused persons, scrutinised supply-chain records, and verified laboratory test reports related to ghee quality and adulteration.

The controversy first erupted in September 2024, when allegations of adulterated ghee usage in Tirumala laddus became a national talking point. Political parties, religious organisations, and civil society groups strongly condemned the incident, demanding stringent action against those responsible. Given the sensitivity of the matter and its impact on public faith, both the central and state governments closely monitored the developments.

To establish the facts and ensure transparency, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered the constitution of the SIT on September 24, 2024. The decision followed consultations with Director General of Police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao and Intelligence Chief Mahesh Chandra Laddha. Senior IPS officer Sarvashrestha Tripathi, a 2006-batch officer who previously served as Superintendent of Police in the erstwhile Guntur and Krishna districts, was appointed as the SIT chief.

Officials stated that the chargesheet runs into several volumes, detailing forensic findings, financial transactions, transport routes, and inter-state coordination among the accused. With the filing of the chargesheet, the case will now move into the trial phase, as authorities maintain that strict legal action will be pursued to uphold food safety standards and protect the sanctity of Tirumala’s religious traditions.