Archive · 11 Nov 2025
Minister: Guilty in Tirupati Ghee Adulteration Case Will Pay
A government minister said that people who allegedly put fake ingredients in ghee used to make special sweets at a famous temple will be punished.
He believes this was a serious offense, like disrespecting people's beliefs.
A special team of investigators confirmed the truth, and based on their findings, a person who sold chemicals to a dairy company has been arrested.
This company was supposed to supply real ghee to the temple, but it's accused of using these chemicals to make fake ghee for the temple's sweets.
HRD minister Nara Lokesh stated that those found guilty in the Tirupati ghee adulteration case will face severe legal consequences.
Lokesh described the alleged adulteration as an 'assault on faith' and a 'crime against the soul of Bharat.'
He credited the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) for exposing the truth in the case.
The CBI-led SIT's report led to the arrest of Ajay Kumar Sugandh, who supplied chemicals to Bhole Baba Organic Dairy.
The chemicals allegedly supplied include monodiglycerides and acetic acid ester, used in the preparation of ghee for Tirupati laddus.
- Who
- HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, Supreme Court-appointed SIT, CBI-led SIT, Ajay Kumar Sugandh (chemical supplier), Bhole Baba Organic Dairy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
- What
- Allegations of ghee adulteration for Tirupati laddus, with the government vowing strict legal action against the guilty. An arrest was made of a chemical supplier involved in providing substances used in the adulteration.
- When
- Minister Lokesh made his statement on Monday. The SIT's revelations were submitted to the Nellore ACB court.
- Where
- Vijayawada (Minister's statement), Tirupati (temple and laddus), Nellore ACB court.
- Why
- To address and condemn the alleged adulteration of ghee meant for religious offerings, which is viewed as an assault on faith and a crime.
Government/Investigator Stance
Alleged Criminal Actions
Nature of the Act
Government/Investigator Stance
HRD minister Nara Lokesh stated that the alleged adulteration of ghee for Tirupati laddus is a 'deliberate assault on the faith of Hindus, a desecration of our belief, and a crime against the soul of Bharat.' He asserted that the guilty must 'pay the price.'
Alleged Criminal Actions
The actions are described as adulteration of ghee intended for the preparation of laddu prasadam at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). Investigations revealed the supply of chemicals like monodiglycerides and acetic acid ester to Bhole Baba Organic Dairy for this purpose.
Role of Investigation
Government/Investigator Stance
Minister Lokesh emphasized that the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has 'exposed the truth' and that the guilty will face the 'full weight of the law.'
Alleged Criminal Actions
The CBI-led SIT's report to the Nellore ACB court led to the arrest of Ajay Kumar Sugandh, a chemical supplier, who is the 16th accused in the case. The SIT's findings were the basis for these actions.
- Key Figure Mentioned
- Nara Lokesh (HRD Minister)
- Allegation
- Adulteration of ghee for Tirupati laddus
- Investigating Body
- Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), CBI-led SIT
- Arrested Accused
- Ajay Kumar Sugandh (chemical supplier)
- Chemicals Supplied
- Monodiglycerides, acetic acid ester
- Dairy Involved
- Bhole Baba Organic Dairy
- Temple Authority
- Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD)
Sources
Rs 250 crore, 5 years: How a fake dairy duped Tirupati, provided 68,00,000 kg fake ghee
Tirupati Laddu Scam: Delhi Trader Arrested For Supplying Chemicals Used To Adulterate Ghee
Tirupati Temple laddu scam: CBI uncovers fake dairy that supplied ₹250 crore worth of adulterated ghee
How a dairy supplied 68 lakh kg fake ghee to Tirupati, without procuring milk or butter for 5 years
Rs 50 Lakh Money Trail Found In Adulterated Ghee In Tirupati Laddu Row
Tirupati Laddu Row: Probe Finds No Action Was Taken Despite Ghee Adulteration Report In 2022
How Rs 250 crore fake ghee ended up in Tirupati Temple’s sacred laddus: Explained
Tirumala Temple Adulterated Ghee Row: Another Accused Arrested; TTD Ex-Chairman & RS MP YV Subba Reddy's PA Under Radar for 'Hawala' Links
‘Not Just Adulteration, But Assault On Faith’: Nara Lokesh On Fake Ghee Scam
Rs 250-crore adulterated ghee sent to make Tirupati temple laddus from 2019 to 2024: SIT
Guilty in Tirupati laddu adulteration will face full weight of law: Lokesh
CBI-led SIT probe exposes massive network of adulteration
