Investigation Reveals Major Lapses in Ghee Procurement for Tirumala Laddu
Ghee adulteration: Panel blames ex-TTD officials
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
A committee investigating ghee procurement for Tirumala laddu prasadam has identified former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) executive officer AV Dharma Reddy as primarily responsible for significant lapses, including the acceptance of adulterated ghee. The report highlights systemic failures that compromised food safety and public trust.
- 01Former TTD executive officer AV Dharma Reddy held chiefly responsible for procurement lapses.
- 02Over 7 million kilograms of ghee procured without mandatory testing.
- 03Adulterated ghee was consumed by lakhs of devotees due to procurement failures.
- 04The committee recommends a complete overhaul of the procurement system.
- 05An organized adulteration network was identified, necessitating strict penalties for involved officials.
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A single-member committee has concluded its investigation into the procurement of ghee for the Tirumala laddu prasadam, revealing serious lapses between 2019 and 2024. The report, submitted by retired Andhra Pradesh chief secretary Dinesh Kumar, identifies former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) executive officer AV Dharma Reddy as the main culprit for diluting tender norms and failing to act against suppliers of adulterated ghee. The investigation found that over 7 million kilograms of ghee were procured without mandatory testing, allowing adulterated products to be consumed by lakhs of devotees. The report cites a 2022 study by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) that detected vegetable oil adulteration in all tested samples, yet no action was taken against suppliers. The committee calls for a complete overhaul of the procurement system, emphasizing the need for stronger quality controls and real-time testing to prevent future lapses. It also highlights a systemic breakdown that has severely impacted public trust in one of India's most sacred institutions.
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The findings raise serious concerns about food safety in religious offerings, affecting the trust of millions of devotees who partake in the prasadam.
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