CBI Special Investigation Team (SIT) makes key arrests
In a significant breakthrough in the Tirupati Laddu adulteration case, the CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) has arrested four individuals in connection with alleged adulteration in the laddus offered as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, officials confirmed.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Vipin Jain – Former Director, Bhole Baba Dairy
- Pomil Jain – Former Director, Bhole Baba Dairy
- Apoorva Chawda – Vaishnavi Dairy
- Raju Rajasekharan – AR Dairy
SIT investigation reveals fraud in ghee supply
According to sources, the SIT discovered serious violations in the ghee supply process, leading to the arrests.
Key findings from the investigation:
- Vaishnavi Dairy secured tenders under the name of AR Dairy to supply ghee to the temple.
- Fake records were created to manipulate the tendering process.
- Vaishnavi Dairy falsely claimed that it sourced ghee from Bhole Baba Dairy, which lacked the capacity to meet the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s (TTD) demand.
SC-ordered SIT probe
In November 2023, the Supreme Court ordered the CBI to set up an SIT to probe allegations of animal fat adulteration in the Tirupati laddus.
The SIT consists of:
- Two officers from the CBI
- Two officers from Andhra Pradesh Police
- One expert from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
With these latest arrests, the SIT is intensifying its probe into the fraudulent ghee supply chain, raising concerns over food safety and religious sentiments. Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
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