Serious irregularities and organized networks have been revealed in the procurement of ghee for laddu prasad of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in Andhra Pradesh. According to the report of a one-member investigation committee, about 70 lakh kg of ghee was purchased without mandatory testing and in many cases it was used in Prasad even before the lab report came. The committee has alleged large-scale administrative failures, violations of procedure and possible collusion. The committee says that due to these reasons the supply of adulterated ghee was possible. The report names former executive officer AV Dharma Reddy as the main responsible. The committee has accused him of weakening the tender rules, not taking action even after confirming adulteration, and allowing dubious suppliers to continue work. Dharma Reddy has earlier said that all decisions were taken with the consent of all the members of the purchase committee. The contracts were awarded as per the rules. This is how the faith and health of the devotees was compromised. Despite the evidence of adulteration, ghee was used. According to the report, the lab report dated August 3, 2022 found sitosterol in all the tested samples. It is considered an indicator of adulteration of vegetable oil. Despite this, no action was taken on the report. Suppliers were not blacklisted. The procurement process continued without any interruption. Report: The procurement system encouraged adulteration. The procurement structure itself encouraged adulteration. An unusually low bid was accepted. Prices fell so drastically that the supply of pure ghee became no longer practical. In many cases, prices were allowed to be reduced through informal negotiations after the auction against the rules. Mandatory rules ignored The committee said that mandatory food safety rules were ignored. Even after testing of β-sitosterol became mandatory from July 1, 2022, TTD did not implement it in the procurement process during the YSRCP tenure. This is how the network was working, the organized network was working. In this, a major supplier made adulterated ghee using vegetable oil and additives. Even after being declared ineligible, he continued to supply through intermediate dairies. Recommending strict action, blacklisting, changes in the system The committee has recommended strict disciplinary action against the responsible officials. This also includes those officials who approved the alleged relaxation in tender rules. Also included are those who did not take action even after confirmation of adulteration. Former TTD Chairman, Procurement Committee is also under scanner. The role of the Procurement Committee is also under investigation. The report has leveled allegations against former YSRCP MLAs Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has also been the former chairman of TTD. These people, along with other members of the committee, took part in decisions that weakened tender rules and lax security measures. What is the matter: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu alleged that adulterated ghee was used in making Laddu Prasadam during the tenure of the previous YSRCP government in the state between 2019 to 2024. YSRCP has said that the allegations are being made for political purposes. Investigation report in three months. This committee was formed in February 2026. This includes retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar. The committee was tasked with identifying alleged laxity in tender rules, identifying those responsible for adulteration of ghee, and investigating lapses in procurement arrangements.
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तिरुपति लड्डू घोटाला: बिना जांच किए इस्तेमाल हुआ 70 लाख किलो घी; न सप्लायर्स को ब्लैक लिस्ट किया, न खरीद रोकी
