Arrest in Tirupati Laddu Scandal: Chemicals Linked to Dairy Adulteration

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) laddu ghee adulteration case has arrested Ajay Kumar Sugandha, a trader based in Delhi. He is accused of supplying chemicals used to produce adulterated ghee, a significant component of the TTD laddu, which has been a subject of controversy since September 2024.

Investigations revealed that Kumar allegedly supplied chemicals such as monoglycerides, acetic acid, and esters, commonly used to produce palm oil, to Bholebaba Dairy directors Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain for nearly seven years. The ghee produced using these chemicals was supplied to TTD under the brand names Vaishtavi and AR Dairy.

The controversy initially erupted when allegations surfaced about the laddus being adulterated with animal fat. The SIT, formed under court directions, has been examining procurement records and quality-testing methods for the ghee used by TTD. It was found that more than 90% of the ghee was mixed with palm oil.

The chemicals used in the adulteration were imported from South Korea by a major distributor in Delhi. Ajay Kumar procured these chemicals in the name of his company and supplied them to the dairy involved in the scandal. Evidence of chemical supplies and financial transactions linking Kumar to the Bholebaba Dairy directors was collected by the investigators.

Ajay Kumar was detained in Delhi and brought to Tirupati for questioning. He appeared before the Nellore ACB court and was remanded in judicial custody until November 21st.