Evidence of TTD Laddu Adulteration Irrefutable: Minister Payyavula Keshav

New Delhi, january 31, 2026:In a major development concerning the sanctity of the world-famous Tirumala “Laddu Prasadam,” Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav has asserted that there is “irrefutable evidence” of ghee adulteration during the previous administration’s tenure.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Minister revealed that recent investigative findings have confirmed a massive procurement fraud that compromised the purity of the sacred offering at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The Scale of the “Fake Ghee” Scam

According to the latest reports from the CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT), the scale of the adulteration is staggering. Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 68 lakh kilograms (nearly 6,000 tonnes) of “fake ghee” were supplied to the TTD.

The Minister highlighted that the investigation, supported by reports from the Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), found the ghee was not made from pure milk or butter. Instead, it was a synthetic concoction containing:

• Refined Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil.
• Chemical Esters and laboratory-grade additives.
• Beta-carotene used to mimic the natural golden color of cow ghee.

Political Face-off and Legal Action

The controversy has reignited a fierce political debate. While the YSRCP has pointed to the SIT’s findings that no animal fat (like beef tallow or lard) was detected in the specific samples tested by the CBI, Minister Keshav argued that the absence of animal fat does not diminish the crime.

“The previous government relaxed norms to favor specific suppliers who didn’t even procure milk during the contract period,” the Minister alleged. He further noted that the 2022 findings by the CFTRI were “closely guarded secrets” by the then-government to protect those involved.

The CBI-led SIT has now filed a final chargesheet naming 36 individuals, including former TTD employees, dairy experts, and suppliers. Key accused remain in custody as the legal proceedings move to the ACB court in Nellore.

Restoring Sanctity

The TTD Board, now under new leadership, has reiterated its commitment to transparency. Chairman B.R. Naidu clarified that no “clean chit” has been given to the suppliers and that the board is implementing a robust Dittam (recipe) process to ensure such a breach of faith never recurs.

For the millions of devotees who visit the hill shrine daily, the focus remains on the spiritual integrity of the Prasadam. The state government has vowed to pursue the case to its logical end, ensuring that the “sins of the past” are accounted for in a court of law.