CBI names 36 in Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration case, including TTD officials and dairy experts

The CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration case has completed its investigation and filed the final chargesheet in the Nellore ACB court , naming 36 people as accused, including nine TTD officials, five dairy experts , and multiple ghee suppliers.

According to the chargesheet, the ghee supplied to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple was not pure dairy ghee . Instead, it consisted primarily of chemically processed palmolein oil , palm oil , and palm kernel oil . To mimic the appearance, aroma, and lab test results of genuine ghee, beta carotene, acetic acid ester, and ghee flavouring agents were added.

The SIT report states that dairy experts colluded with manufacturers , while some TTD officials were allegedly involved in approving the adulterated material. The adulteration was designed to reduce costs while ensuring the mixture passed standard quality tests and maintained the characteristic aroma of Tirupati laddus.

The case traces back to September 2024 , when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government had used substandard ingredients and animal fats in the laddus, sparking widespread outrage among devotees nationwide. The controversy hurt the sentiments of millions of Hindus, given the laddus’ religious significance.

The CBI’s chargesheet marks the conclusion of the investigation phase , and the case will now move into the trial phase in the Nellore court.