Tirupati Laddu-Ghee Adulteration Row: TTD Official Among Two Arrested

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh: In the latest development in the Tirumala laddu-ghee adulteration case, the CBI SIT have taken two people into custody, according to reports. 

Ajay Kumar Sugandh, a Delhi-based trader and Subrahmanyam, a TTD Procurement Department General Manager (GM), have been arrested.

The two accused underwent medical examinations at Tirupati Ruia Hospital, reports said. Following that, they were taken to the SIT office.

The SIT will interrogate them until December 12, as per reports.

Earlier, in November, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), arrested senior TTD engineering department official in connection with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu-ghee adulteration case.

Guntur Range I G Sarvasresti Tripathi said that the arrested person RSSVR Subrahmanyam had earlier served as the General Manager (Procurement) at TTD and was responsible for procuring key materials, including the ghee used for preparing laddus.

The Supreme Court on September 26 had stayed the order of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which observed that the CBI Director had violated the apex court's directions by appointing an officer outside the SIT to probe allegations of adulterated ghee used in the preparation of the famed TTD laddu prasadam.

On June 6, TTD initiated legal action against multiple unauthorised entities found selling or promoting products under the "Tirupati Laddu" name in violation of its registered Geographical Indication (GI), TDP said in a press release.

Legal notices were served through Sahadeva Law Chambers to several online platforms and vendors, including PushMyCart (Mahita LLC) and Transact Foods Limited, for unauthorised commercial exploitation of the Tirupati Laddu name and falsely associating their offerings with the temple.

Earlier in February 2025, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested four individuals and sent them to judicial remand in connection with the adulteration of ghee used in the Tirumala Srivari Laddu, the agency reported finding "severe lapses" in the e-tendering process of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The CBI, acting on orders from the Supreme Court, had formed an SIT to investigate the matter. The remand report confirmed adulteration in the ghee supplied, and according to the investigating agency, AR Dairy, Vaishnavi Dairy, and Bhole Baba Dairy were involved in the case. 

Also Read: 'Not Scared of Discussion on Any Matter', 'Nothing to Hide': Amit Shah Takes Dig at Oppn For Parl Boycott