Tirupati, December 11 (HS): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday interrogated RSSVR Subrahmanyam, former General Manager of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Procurement Department, in connection with the Tirumala laddu adulterated ghee case.
Sources said Subrahmanyam admitted that he had informed the then TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy in August 2020 that lab tests indicated adulterated ghee was being used in the preparation of the famous Tirumala laddus (prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple). However, during questioning, he reportedly claimed he did not remember many details and could not answer several queries.
When the SIT asked why the supply of adulterated ghee continued even after Subba Reddy was informed that all four dairies were supplying substandard ghee, Subrahmanyam allegedly stated that the decision was taken by the Chairman.
The SIT also questioned Delhi-based trader Ajay Kumar Sugandh, owner of Sugandh Oils and Chemicals. He reportedly remained silent on several questions. When asked why he cooperated with Pomil Jain and Vipin Jain, directors of Bhole Baba Dairy — accused of supplying adulterated ghee for years — Sugandh claimed he had no connection with the matter.
Investigators had earlier found that Bhole Baba dairy plants in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh lacked the required production capacity. Subrahmanyam was questioned on how he, as Procurement GM and a member of the inspection team, failed to notice the shortfall and whether he colluded with the suppliers. He reportedly said that the inspection was carried out and that observations were submitted to the TTD.
SIT officials also asked why Subrahmanyam shared the names and contact details of the dairies with Chinnappanna, who had no official association with TTD. Subrahmanyam replied that Chinnappanna had introduced himself as Subba Reddy’s personal secretary.
More details are awaited as the investigation continues.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
