Tirupati Laddu Scandal: Rs 50 Lakh Hawala Trail Unearthed in Adulterated Ghee Case

A major controversy has erupted at the renowned Tirupati temple, involving allegations of adulteration in the sacred laddu prasadam and the discovery of a Rs 50 lakh cash transaction. The scandal broke last year when tests revealed the presence of ghee made with animal fat in the laddus distributed to millions of devotees. The issue gained such prominence that it reached the Supreme Court.Investigations into the matter have now uncovered a significant financial trail. According to reports, the Rs 50 lakh was paid to K. Chinnappanna, the personal assistant to Y.V. Subba Reddy, a former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust and a Member of Parliament.The payment was allegedly made through hawala channels by a Uttar Pradesh-based company, Premier Agri Foods Pvt Ltd, which was involved in the ghee supply.The transaction reportedly took place in two installments in Delhi, near the Patel Nagar Metro Station. An agent named Aman Gupta is said to have delivered Rs 20 lakh, with the remaining amount provided by a senior executive of the food company, Vijay GuptaThe controversy began after devotees complained about the quality of the laddus, noticing a lack of aroma and taste. A joint investigation was ordered by the Supreme Court, comprising officers from the CBI, state police, and food safety officials The investigation revealed that four companies were involved in the ghee supply, and they had allegedly manipulated documents and prices to secure tenders. The probe found that a specific company had produced ghee using palm oil and chemicals.The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has since taken action, and the controversy has led to a nationwide outcry among devotees over the desecration of the sacred prasadam.