CBI Uncovers Major Ghee Fraud in Tirupati Worth Rs 250 Crore

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a startling development, the CBI’s special investigation unit has revealed a vast ghee fraud linked to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). From 2019 to 2024, Bhole Baba Organic Dairy, located in Uttarakhand, allegedly supplied approximately 68 lakh kilograms of ghee, valued at Rs 250 crore, without obtaining any actual milk or butter.

Investigators discovered that the dairy, run by partners Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain, fabricated procurement and payment documents to simulate substantial ghee production. This fraudulent activity was unveiled during inquiries into purported adulteration of ghee meant for the renowned Tirupati Laddu prasadams.

The investigation gained momentum following the arrest of supplier Ajay Kumar Sugandh, who allegedly delivered hazardous chemicals such as monodiglycerides and acetic acid ester to Bhole Baba Dairy. Although blacklisted by the TTD in 2022, the dairy’s management continued operations through alternative channels, funneling ghee via various dairies like Vyshnavi Dairy in Tirupati, Mal Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, and AR Dairy Foods from Tamil Nadu.

In a disturbing incident, four containers of ghee, which contained animal fat and had been rejected by the TTD in July 2024, were discovered re-entering the supply chain. Instead of being returned to the AR Dairy’s Dindigul facility, these tanks were funneled to a nearby stone-crushing unit. Vyshnavi Dairy is reported to have repackaged and refined the contaminated ghee before sending it back to the TTD.

The CBI’s findings link these adulterated ghee supplies to the making of the revered Tirupati Laddu prasadams, raising significant concerns regarding quality assurance in one of India’s most esteemed religious offerings.

This alarming situation underscores the weaknesses in supply chain management and emphasizes the urgent need for more stringent monitoring to safeguard the sanctity of temple offerings and maintain public confidence.