Tirupati: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) adulterated ghee case has revealed significant irregularities. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the scam, and the remand report has brought to light shocking details, as disclosed by TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu on his X account.
According to the SIT report, Tamil Nadu-based A.R. Dairy, which secured the contract for supplying ghee to TTD, allegedly diverted adulterated ghee through Bholebaba Organic Dairy (Uttar Pradesh) and Vaishnavi Dairy (Tirupati). The investigation found that Bholebaba Dairy had supplied ghee to TTD as early as 2019. However, in 2022, after TTD rejected its tankers, the supply reportedly resumed under Vaishnavi Dairy’s name.
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The SIT probe found that A.R. Dairy misrepresented its production capacity to win the TTD contract. While its actual annual ghee production capacity stood at 945.6 metric tons, it was falsely claimed to be 3,072 metric tons to qualify for the tender.
The investigation also revealed that Bholebaba Dairy transferred Rs 70 lakh to A.R. Dairy as part of an arrangement to secure the contract. Additionally, it was found that Bholebaba Dairy paid Rs 51 lakh as a deposit on behalf of A.R. Dairy. The contract, awarded in 2024, fixed the ghee price at Rs 319.80 per kg, which was reportedly lower than the market rate, leading to adulteration for increased profitability.
The SIT identified that P.P. Srinivasan from Chennai uploaded falsified documents during the tender process on March 12, 2024. These actions were reportedly carried out under the direction of Pomil Jain, the director of A.R. Dairy.
Furthermore, the accused allegedly switched off their mobile phones, purchased new devices, and attempted to destroy digital evidence to evade arrest. The SIT report also noted that A.R. Dairy had a clandestine agreement with Bholebaba and Vaishnavi Dairies, offering a commission of Rs 2.75 to Rs 3 per kg of ghee supplied.
With the SIT report exposing these irregularities, further legal proceedings are anticipated against those involved in the scam.