CBI Arrests Four in Tirupati Laddu Adulteration Case

A Supreme Court-ordered probe reveals serious violations in ghee supply for the iconic temple prasadam, leading to arrests of dairy officials.

The CBI-led Special Investigation Team arrested four individuals, including officials from Bhole Baba Dairy, Vaishnavi Dairy, and AR Dairy, for alleged adulteration of ghee used in Tirupati laddus.
The SIT uncovered fraudulent tender processes and falsified records, with Vaishnavi Dairy falsely claiming to source ghee from Bhole Baba Dairy, which lacked the capacity to meet demand.
The investigation was initiated following Supreme Court orders to probe allegations of animal fat being used in the laddus, a claim that sparked nationwide outrage and political controversy.
The five-member SIT included officials from the CBI, Andhra Pradesh Police, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, ensuring a thorough and collaborative inquiry.
The controversy has drawn political attention, with Andhra Pradesh's current and former chief ministers trading accusations over the alleged use of substandard ingredients.