CBI-Led SIT Investigation Uncovers Knowledge of Ghee Adulteration by TTD Officials
The Supreme Court-appointed special investigation team (SIT), led by the Central Bureau of Investigation, has submitted a crucial report regarding the alleged adulteration of laddu ghee at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The investigation has revealed significant findings about the involvement of senior officials in this scandal that has shaken devotees' trust.
Officials Aware Yet Approved Questionable Supply Agreements
According to the detailed SIT report, the then chairman of TTD, Y V Subba Reddy, and the then additional executive officer A V Dharma Reddy were fully aware of the adulteration of ghee being supplied to the temple. Despite this knowledge, both officials proceeded to approve supply agreements with the same dairies that were providing adulterated ghee for the preparation of sacred laddus.
Interestingly, while the SIT established their awareness and involvement in the decision-making process, the investigative team did not formally name them as accused in the case. Instead, the report contains a specific recommendation to the government to take appropriate action against the erring officials based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Contradictory Actions and Failure to Follow Up
The SIT report provides specific instances of questionable decision-making by the officials involved. A V Dharma Reddy reportedly sought reports from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) regarding the quality of ghee but failed to conduct proper follow-up actions based on those findings. This lack of diligence allowed the questionable supply to continue unchecked.
Furthermore, Dharma Reddy approved a note file that included revised norms set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to include beta-sitosterol testing. However, in a contradictory move, he made a decision to exempt this requirement for dairies that were already facing allegations of supplying adulterated ghee. This exemption created a regulatory loophole that potentially compromised the quality of the sacred offering.
Former Procurement Manager's Statement Corroborates Findings
The investigation gained additional credibility through the statement provided by former procurement manager RSSVR Subramanyam. In his testimony, Subramanyam confirmed that he had personally apprised then chairman Y V Subba Reddy about the CFTRI report, which clearly confirmed the adulteration of ghee being supplied to TTD. This statement directly contradicts any potential claims of ignorance by the senior officials regarding the quality issues.
Political Reactions and Calls for Prosecution
The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has strongly reacted to the SIT findings, alleging that Subba Reddy and Dharma Reddy deliberately suppressed the CFTRI report and continued the supply of adulterated ghee despite knowing its compromised quality. This alleged suppression represents a serious breach of trust and responsibility.
Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav has been particularly vocal about the implications of the SIT report. He stated that the investigation has clearly established criminal intent on the part of the officials involved. According to Keshav, the evidence warrants prosecution for their wrongdoings, as the actions described in the report go beyond mere administrative lapses.
Potential Government Actions Following SIT Recommendations
With the SIT specifically recommending action against the erring officials and committee members, the government now has a clear pathway for response. Legal experts suggest that the government can pursue multiple avenues, including requesting prosecution through appropriate legal channels. Additionally, departmental action against the officials remains a viable option for addressing administrative failures.
The SIT report represents a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention due to its religious implications and concerns about food safety in sacred offerings. The findings highlight systemic issues in quality control and oversight mechanisms within one of India's most prominent religious institutions.
