The SIT’s latest charge sheet in the five-year adulterated ghee scam that allegedly compromised the sanctity of Tirumala has triggered widespread outrage and political ripples. The massive scandal involved the supply of nearly 6.8 million kilograms of adulterated ghee to TTD under the guise of AGMARK special-grade cow ghee, leading to the preparation of around 200 million laddus for devotees. Allegations are mounting that former TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal was the “kingpin” behind the ₹250-crore scam, having allegedly orchestrated the operation without the knowledge of then TTD Board Chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy. However, critics claim Singhal managed to keep his name out of the SIT report by leveraging influence at the Delhi level.
According to investigation details, between 2019 and 2024, approximately 6.817 million kilograms of adulterated ghee were transported to Tirumala, which was used to prepare laddus consumed by crores of devotees. To avoid detection, the accused reportedly mixed hazardous chemicals to mimic the natural aroma of ghee and evade laboratory identification. Subsequent tests revealed the presence of cheaper substitutes such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, and palmolin oil instead of pure cow ghee. Devotees have termed the episode not merely a financial crime but a direct assault on the faith of millions.
Sources allege that the entire operation took place under the direction of then and current TTD EO Singhal. It is claimed that Singhal secretly entered into agreements with Bhole Baba Dairy and its associate firms—Harsha Trading and Harsha Fresh—bypassing established norms and without informing the TTD Chairman. The awarding of tenders to suppliers allegedly providing substandard ghee is said to reflect large-scale abuse of official authority. TTD insiders state that Singhal personally supervised ghee procurement and signed key files withou bringing the matter to the chairman’s notice.
The SIT recently submitted a 219-page final charge sheet in the Nellore ACB court, detailing the mechanics of the adulteration racket, the companies involved, and the officials under whose watch the dealings occurred. The report has caused tremors in both official and political circles. However, TTD sources have expressed surprise over the absence of Singhal’s name in the charge sheet, fueling allegations that he used high-level influence in Delhi to ensure his exclusion from the case.
There is growing criticism that Singhal maneuvered at the highest levels to erase his role and escape legal accountability, with questions now being raised over who in Delhi is allegedly shielding the former TTD EO in one of the most controversial scandals to hit Tirumala in recent years.