Ghee supplied to Dwaraka Tirumala was likely adulterated: SIT chargesheet

Rajahmundry: The special investigation team (SIT), in its supplementary chargesheet, has stated that the ghee supplied to Dwaraka Tirumala temple in Eluru district was likely adulterated. It said that during 2022-23, Bhole Baba Oroganic Dairy and Harsh Fresh dairy products supplied thousands of kgs of adulterated ghee to Sree Vinayaka Agencies and Sumathi Traders in Tirupati between May 1, 2021 and Sep 30, 2024, through Sri Vyshnavi dairy specialities. In turn, Vinayaka Agencies and Sumathi Traders supplied the said ‘adulterated ghee' to various temples in Andhra Pradesh. The SIT said its investigation further revealed that Harsh Fresh dairy and Bhole Baba Oroganic dairy also supplied adulterated ghee to temples in Maharashtra.As per the chargesheet, the SIT established the details of total supply of adulterated ghee to TTD by Bhole Baba Oroganic dairy itself and also through Sri Vyshnavi dairy, Malganga Milk and Agro Product, and AR Dairy food.Meanwhile, Sri Venkataswara Swami Vari Devasthanam at Dwaraka Tirumala, which is famously known as China Tirupati, was also supplied ghee by Sree Vinayaka Agencies and Sri Vyshanvi dairy specialties, which allegedly supplied adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Sri Vyshnavi dairy specialities reportedly supplied ghee to Dwaraka Tirumala temple through Sri Vinayaka Agencies in four spells (May '22 to Mar '23, April '23 to Sept '23, Oct '23 to Mar '24, and Apr '24 to May '24). Later, Sangam Diary started supplying ghee from May '24. Talking to TOI, the executive officer of Dwaraka Tirumala Devasthanam said about 1.2 lakh kilograms of ghee is used at Dwaraka Tirumala every year. Vyshnavi dairy supplied ghee at Rs 453, Rs 472.12, Rs 503.76, and Rs 532 in four spells, while Sangam Dairy has been supplying ghee at the price of Rs 590 per kilogram, Bhadraji said. However, he made it clear that payment was made only after lab testing of the product in every assignment. He said there were no complaints whatsoever from devotees on the prasadam made at the temple.