TTD Laddu Ghee Controversy Deepens: Naidu Alleges “Bathroom-Cleaning Chemicals”; SIT Flags ₹250 Crore Adulteration Scam

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu controversy has intensified after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made fresh allegations against the previous YSRCP government. Addressing a public meeting in Kurnool district on February 6, 2026, Naidu claimed that adulterated ghee used in the preparation of the sacred Srivari Laddu contained chemicals normally used for bathroom cleaning.

Meanwhile, a CBI-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reportedly flagged a massive ₹250-crore ghee adulteration scam linked to the supply chain between 2019 and 2024.

Naidu’s Fresh Allegations on Tirumala Laddu Ghee

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, continuing his criticism of the former YSRCP administration, alleged that the ghee used during their tenure was not only substandard but dangerously adulterated.

“Bathroom-Cleaning Chemicals” Claim

Naidu alleged that the ghee supplied to TTD was prepared using chemicals typically associated with bathroom cleaning products. He described the alleged act as a serious violation of religious sanctity.

Alleged Impact on Devotee Sentiments

The Chief Minister said the issue is not just about food quality but about faith, claiming that the purity of the consecrated laddu was compromised, hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees across India and abroad.

Srisailam Temple Also Allegedly Affected

Naidu further claimed that the same adulterated ghee may have been supplied to the Srisailam temple during the same period, raising wider concerns about temple food procurement practices.

Claim of Suppressed CFTRI Report

He also alleged that a 2022 report by the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) had flagged possible adulteration, but the findings were allegedly suppressed during the YSRCP rule.

CBI-Monitored SIT Investigation Flags ₹250 Crore Ghee Scam

The SIT, monitored by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), reportedly submitted its findings to the Nellore ACB court, revealing what it describes as a large-scale ghee fraud linked to the Tirumala laddu supply.

68 Lakh Kg of Spurious Ghee Supplied Between 2019–2024

According to the SIT findings, nearly 68 lakh kilograms of allegedly spurious ghee was supplied over a five-year period.

This has raised serious concerns about procurement loopholes and lack of quality control within the system.

What Was Found in the “Ghee”?

The investigation reportedly concluded that the supplied product was not genuine dairy ghee. Instead, it was allegedly a synthetic blend of:

• Palm oil
• Palm kernel oil
• Other vegetable oils

The mixture was reportedly processed to mimic the appearance and properties of cow ghee.

Chemical Additives Used to Manipulate Lab Results

The SIT reportedly found that chemical compounds such as acetic acid esters were used to artificially adjust lab test parameters, including the RM value, which is commonly used to test ghee purity.

Additionally, beta-carotene was allegedly used to enhance color, along with artificial flavoring to imitate the natural aroma of dairy ghee.

Supplier Under Scanner

The SIT reportedly identified Bhole Baba Dairy as a key supplier. The chargesheet reportedly claimed that the company produced the ghee-like mixture without procuring milk or butter, raising questions about how such supplies passed quality checks for years.

Animal Fat Allegation vs SIT Findings

The controversy earlier gained national attention due to claims that the ghee contained animal fat. While Naidu has cited an earlier report linked to NDDB-CALF suggesting possible animal fat content, the SIT chargesheet reportedly focuses more on vegetable oil-based adulteration.

This difference has become a key point of political debate between the ruling administration and the opposition.

YSRCP Rejects Allegations, Calls It Political Targeting

The YSRCP has strongly denied the accusations and questioned the narrative being built around the investigation.

YSRCP Claims SIT Gives Them “Relief”

Party leaders argue that since the SIT report reportedly does not confirm the presence of beef tallow or lard, the most controversial “animal fat” allegation stands weakened.

Denial of CFTRI Report Suppression

Former TTD Chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy has claimed that he personally sent samples to CFTRI in 2022, stating that the action itself proves there was no attempt to hide adulteration.

Government Response: Committee Formed, Officials Moved

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced corrective steps following the SIT findings.

One-Man Committee Announced

CM Naidu said a one-man committee will be formed to review administrative lapses within TTD and recommend long-term reforms to ensure strict quality control in temple supplies.

Administrative Shake-Up in TTD

The government has reportedly initiated action against senior officials and transferred the former TTD Executive Officer as part of internal accountability measures.

Why the TTD Laddu Issue Is a Major National Concern

The Tirumala laddu is not an ordinary food product—it is a sacred prasadam distributed to millions of devotees every year. Any alleged compromise in its purity becomes both a religious and public trust issue.

This case has now evolved into a larger debate around:

• Temple procurement transparency
• Food safety standards
• Accountability of government-managed religious institutions
• Political responsibility for faith-related matters