AR Dairy Faces Investigation Over Inflated Capacity and Ghee Adulteration

In a recent development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered that AR Dairy, a Tamil Nadu-based company, allegedly exaggerated its operational capacity to qualify for a ghee supply contract with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The investigation revealed that the firm provided inflated data regarding its milk procurement capabilities, claiming to supply 2.52 lakh litres per day despite only managing an actual procurement of 1.45 lakh litres per day.

The SIT, led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has taken four individuals into custody concerning the adulteration allegations surrounding the renowned Tirupati laddus. These sacred offerings to devotees are reputedly compromised by the addition of animal fat, a claim that has sparked significant political dispute in Andhra Pradesh.

The inquiry revealed further improprieties in AR Dairy's dealings, as the ghee supplied to TTD was acquired from Vyshnavi Dairy Specialities Pvt Ltd, which itself sourced ghee from Bhole Baba Organic Dairy Pvt Ltd. Quality issues were prevalent, leading TTD to reject multiple ghee consignments from AR Dairy last July.

This investigation is part of broader efforts to address accusations of non-compliance with TTD’s tender specifications and points towards systemic issues within involved dairy operations. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how these revelations will impact the political milieu in the region.