ANDHRA PRADESH: TTD Ghee Scam Deepens: SIT Nabs Another, Arrest Tally Now 10
A key figure in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has landed in hot water, marking a pivotal shift in the ongoing probe into tainted ghee supplies.
R.S.S.V.R. Subramanyam, once the General Manager of the Purchase Department and now an Executive Engineer, faces serious charges tied to the scandal.
His arrest underscores the deepening scrutiny on temple operations.
Arrest and Initial Steps
Special Investigation Team officers took Subramanyam into custody early Thursday, November 27, in connection with the adulterated ghee racket.
This marks the first time a serving TTD official has been detained in the case. The team acted on evidence linking him to procurement lapses during 2019-2024.
Before the court appearance, Subramanyam underwent routine medical checks at Ruia Hospital in Tirupati.
The exam cleared him for further proceedings, ensuring his health did not delay the process.
Court Appearance and Remand
SIT members escorted Subramanyam to the Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Nellore later that day.
The judge reviewed the evidence presented and ordered his judicial remand until December 10.
This extension allows investigators more time to build their case amid mounting details.
The hearing drew quiet attention from local media and devotees, highlighting public concern over the purity of sacred offerings.
Widening Net of Accountability
With this arrest, the total number of detentions in the laddu adulteration probe climbs to ten.
Earlier catches included suppliers from Uttarakhand’s Bhole Baba Dairy and others accused of mixing palm oil and chemicals into ghee worth crores.
Over five years, an estimated 68 lakh kg of substandard product reached TTD kitchens.
- Key findings so far: Nearly 40% of 48.76 crore laddus used impure fats.
- Suppliers involved: Bhole Baba, AR Dairy, Vaishnavi, and Malgang Dairies.
- Broader implications: Questions linger on oversight failures and potential bribes.
The scandal has sparked calls for stricter audits, as pilgrims demand untainted prasad. As the SIT digs deeper, more revelations could surface before the year ends.