One of the country’s largest food adulteration scandals linked to a major religious institution has come to light with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)–led Special Investigation Team (SIT) filing a final chargesheet in January 2026 in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ghee adulteration case. The chargesheet, submitted before the ACB court in Nellore, names 36 accused and details an alleged fraud involving the supply of nearly 6.8 million kilograms of synthetic ghee to the temple between 2021 and 2024, valued at around ₹250 crore.
According to investigators, the adulterated ghee was supplied for use in temple offerings despite being manufactured without any milk or butter. The scale of the operation and the duration over which it continued have raised serious concerns over procurement practices and quality control mechanisms within the supply chain.
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Supplier allegedly procured no milk
The SIT has identified Bhola Baba Dairy, based in Uttarakhand, as the principal supplier in the alleged scam. Investigators claim that during the period under scrutiny, the firm did not purchase a single drop of milk or butter, yet continued to supply large quantities of ghee to the temple.
Despite this, deliveries were accepted over several years, prompting questions about oversight failures and possible collusion at multiple levels of procurement and inspection.
Palm oil and chemicals used to mimic ghee
The investigation found that instead of producing traditional clarified butter, the accused manufactured a synthetic mixture using palm oil, palm kernel oil and chemical additives. Artificial flavours and chemical compounds were allegedly added to replicate the aroma, taste and appearance of pure ghee.
The chargesheet highlights the role of a Delhi-based businessman accused of supplying chemicals designed to manipulate laboratory readings and make the adulterated product appear compliant with quality standards. Investigators said these substances were key to misleading routine testing procedures.
Alleged collusion within TTD system
The SIT has alleged that the fraud was facilitated by collusion involving certain senior TTD officials and external dairy experts. According to the chargesheet, false quality reports were generated in exchange for bribes and other benefits, while unfavourable test results were either ignored or suppressed.
Investigators said that stricter enforcement of procurement norms and independent verification could have detected the adulteration much earlier, potentially preventing large-scale misuse.
NDDB lab report exposed adulteration
A crucial breakthrough came following laboratory analysis by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). In its July 2024 report, NDDB found the S-Value of ghee samples as low as 19.72, far below the accepted standard of 98–104 for pure desi ghee.
The report also detected the presence of lard (pig fat), beef tallow, vegetable oils and fish oil, indicating the use of external and prohibited fats. Under ISO 17678 standards, the S-4 value is specifically used to identify animal fats, strengthening the case for deliberate adulteration.
The SIT’s final findings state that while chemical sludge formed the primary adulterant, animal fat was detected in certain rejected tankers, which were allegedly reintroduced into the supply chain.
Faith and food safety under scrutiny
Investigators have stressed that the case extends beyond financial fraud, touching upon religious faith, food safety and public trust. The use of adulterated ghee in temple prasadam at one of India’s most revered shrines has sparked wider concern over regulatory oversight and accountability in religious and public institutions.
Trial to follow
With the chargesheet filed, the case will now proceed to trial. Investigating agencies have indicated that further scrutiny of financial transactions, supplier networks and official accountability will continue, with additional action possible as evidence is examined during court proceedings.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
