“CBI Uncovers ‘Severe Lapses’ in TTD’s E-Tendering Process in Tirupati Laddu Case”

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), after leading a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Tirupati Laddu adulteration case, has reported “severe lapses” in the e-tendering process of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). This follows the arrest of four dairy chiefs linked to the adulteration of ghee used in the famed Tirumala Srivari Laddu. The arrested individuals include Bipin Jain and Pomil Jain, former directors of Bhole Baba Dairy, Apoorva Vinay Kant Chawda, CEO of Vaishnavi Dairy, and Raju Rajasekharan, MD of AR Dairy. They have been sent to judicial remand after being interrogated, with the investigation revealing the involvement of AR Dairy, Vaishnavi Dairy, and Bhole Baba Dairy in the scandal.

The investigation, ordered by the Supreme Court, uncovered troubling evidence of animal carcass residues in the adulterated ghee, sparking outrage among devotees. AR Dairy, which held a contract with TTD, has been found guilty of several irregularities. Despite strong evidence, the accused allegedly remained uncooperative during their questioning. Viresh Prabhu, Joint Director, has been stationed in Tirupati to oversee the ongoing investigation.