An investigation led by a one-man committee in Andhra Pradesh has revealed serious lapses in the procurement of ghee used for the famous laddu offerings at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The committee, established by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, found that over 70 lakh kg of ghee was procured without proper testing, raising concerns about the integrity of the offerings. The report alleges that former officials, including A V Dharma Reddy, facilitated the entry of adulterated ghee into the supply chain through procedural violations and collusion with suppliers. Despite a laboratory report confirming adulteration with vegetable oil markers, no action was taken, and the procurement continued unchecked. The committee has recommended strict disciplinary action against those responsible, including blacklisting suppliers and overhauling the procurement system to eliminate reliance on the lowest price bidding. It emphasizes the need for real-time testing and stronger enforcement of food safety standards to restore public trust in this sacred institution.