SIT Investigation Uncovers Extensive Temple Ghee Adulteration Network
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a supplementary chargesheet revealing disturbing details about adulterated ghee being supplied to prominent temples across Andhra Pradesh. According to the official document, the sacred ghee provided to the revered Dwaraka Tirumala temple in Eluru district was likely contaminated with adulterants.
Supply Chain of Adulterated Products
Investigators established that between May 1, 2021 and September 30, 2024, Bhole Baba Oroganic Dairy and Harsh Fresh Dairy Products supplied thousands of kilograms of adulterated ghee to Sree Vinayaka Agencies and Sumathi Traders in Tirupati. This distribution occurred through Sri Vyshnavi Dairy Specialities as an intermediary channel.
These agencies then supplied the questionable ghee to various temples throughout Andhra Pradesh. The investigation further uncovered that Harsh Fresh Dairy and Bhole Baba Oroganic Dairy also distributed adulterated ghee to temples in Maharashtra, indicating a potentially wider geographical reach of this malpractice.
TTD and Dwaraka Tirumala Connections
The chargesheet specifically details how Bhole Baba Oroganic Dairy supplied adulterated ghee directly to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), as well as through multiple intermediaries including Sri Vyshnavi Dairy, Malganga Milk and Agro Product, and AR Dairy Food.
Meanwhile, Sri Venkataswara Swami Vari Devasthanam at Dwaraka Tirumala, popularly known as China Tirupati, received ghee supplies from Sree Vinayaka Agencies and Sri Vyshnavi Dairy Specialities. These same suppliers are allegedly responsible for providing adulterated ghee to the TTD as well.
Detailed Supply Timeline and Pricing
Investigators documented that Sri Vyshnavi Dairy Specialities supplied ghee to Dwaraka Tirumala temple through Sri Vinayaka Agencies in four distinct periods: May 2022 to March 2023, April 2023 to September 2023, October 2023 to March 2024, and April 2024 to May 2024. Following this, Sangam Dairy commenced ghee supplies from May 2024 onward.
Executive Officer Bhadraji of Dwaraka Tirumala Devasthanam revealed to media that approximately 120,000 kilograms of ghee is utilized annually at the temple. He provided specific pricing details: Vyshnavi Dairy supplied ghee at rates of Rs 453, Rs 472.12, Rs 503.76, and Rs 532 per kilogram across the four supply periods, while Sangam Dairy has been supplying at Rs 590 per kilogram.
Temple Administration's Response
Bhadraji emphasized that payments were only processed after laboratory testing of the product for each delivery assignment. He stated clearly that there have been no complaints whatsoever from devotees regarding the prasadam prepared at the temple using this ghee.
The SIT chargesheet represents a significant development in uncovering what appears to be a systematic adulteration scheme affecting some of Andhra Pradesh's most important religious institutions. The investigation continues to examine the full extent of this distribution network and its implications for temple rituals and devotees' faith.
