New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches at 15 locations across six states in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams ghee adulteration case, seizing ₹60 lakh in cash and uncovering indications of property investments worth more than ₹45 crore allegedly linked to proceeds of crime. The investigation is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Searches Across Six States
The searches were carried out across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi. Raids took place at premises in Ahilyanagar and Mumbai in Maharashtra, Bikaner in Rajasthan, Dehradun and Roorkee in Uttarakhand, Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and several locations in Delhi.
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The operation was led by the ED’s Hyderabad Zonal Office and covered residential and business premises linked to individuals connected with the case. Investigators also searched dairy plants of AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd in Dindigul, Malganga Milk and Agro Products Pvt Ltd in Ahilyanagar and Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Milk Pvt Ltd in Roorkee.
During the operation, officials seized documents, financial records and digital evidence believed to be relevant to the ongoing probe.
Bogus Transactions Under Scanner
According to the agency, several incriminating documents were recovered during the searches. These records allegedly indicate bogus purchase and sale transactions, financial manipulation and a complex business structure used to conceal the origin of illicit funds.
The case originated from an FIR registered against AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd and other accused persons. Investigators allege that certain individuals conspired with some officials associated with TTD and supplied adulterated ghee, causing financial loss to the temple body and violating public trust.
The ED suspects that multiple legal entities and business concerns were used to layer transactions and disguise the movement of money allegedly generated through unlawful activities.
Property Investments Worth Over ₹45 Crore Traced
The agency said its investigation has so far revealed evidence suggesting that proceeds allegedly generated from the supply of adulterated ghee were invested in real estate and other assets. Several immovable properties held in the names of accused persons and their family members have been identified and are under scrutiny.
Investigators believe a network of interconnected companies and business entities was used to conceal the source of funds and make transactions appear legitimate. The financial arrangements are being examined to determine how money was generated, transferred and invested.
The case has drawn public attention because it involves the supply chain of products associated with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, one of the country’s most prominent religious institutions.
The ED is now analysing seized documents, bank records, property papers and digital data. Officials said further legal action will depend on the evidence collected during the searches, as the probe focuses on identifying beneficiaries and tracing the full financial network linked to the case.
