#JustIn: Tirupati Official Confirms 20 Crore Laddoos Used Adulterated Ghee during 2019-24

Authorities at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) have revealed that approximately 20 crore Tirupati laddoos—the sacred prasad of Lord Venkateswara—were prepared using adulterated ghee between 2019 and 2024. The disclosure comes as a Central Bureau of Investigation-led Special Investigation Team continues its probe into one of the biggest scandals to hit the world’s richest Hindu temple, deeply wounding the religious sentiments of millions of devotees who consider the laddu divinely blessed.

TTD Trust Board Chairman BR Naidu told reporters on Saturday that out of 48.76 crore laddoos manufactured and distributed during the five-year period, nearly 41 percent—or roughly 20 crore—were made with substandard ghee that failed purity tests. The estimate was derived from daily production records, procurement invoices, temple footfall data, and sales figures of the iconic sweet. The adulteration was first detected in samples tested in 2024, triggering widespread outrage across the country.

The controversy erupted last year when laboratory reports confirmed the presence of animal fats and other impurities in ghee supplied to the temple’s laddu-making unit. Devotees and political leaders accused the previous contractors of compromising the sanctity of the prasad for profit. The scandal led to the cancellation of contracts with several suppliers and the blacklisting of firms involved. Four senior TTD officials were also suspended pending inquiry.

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With the CBI now spearheading a multi-agency investigation, attention has turned to fixing accountability and restoring public trust. The TTD has introduced stricter quality controls, including third-party testing of every ghee consignment and the installation of real-time monitoring systems at the laddu production facility. Temple authorities have assured pilgrims that all laddoos offered since mid-2024 meet the highest purity standards, while vowing to prevent any future desecration of the revered prasad.

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