The probe into the Tirumala laddu adulteration case has gathered serious momentum. Acting on directions from the Supreme Court, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has started questioning key individuals, including Appanna — the personal assistant of former TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) Chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy. Along with Appanna, six other TTD employees are also under investigation.
Sources close to the SIT suggest that, depending on the findings from the current round of interrogations, Y.V. Subba Reddy himself could soon be issued summons for questioning.
This high-profile case came to light in September last year when Andhra Pradesh’s now-Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu — then the opposition leader — made explosive allegations. He claimed that adulterated ghee, allegedly containing animal fat, was used during the YSRCP government’s rule in the making of the revered Srivari laddus — offerings considered sacred by millions of devotees. The accusation caused an uproar across the state and among religious communities.
Initially, the current AP government set up a SIT to investigate the matter. However, the YSR Congress Party challenged the neutrality of a state-controlled probe and approached the Supreme Court. Responding to the petition, the apex court ordered the formation of an independent SIT under the supervision of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The special team consists of two members from the CBI, two officials from the Andhra Pradesh government, and one representative from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
So far, 15 individuals have been named as accused in the case, with six of them already taken into custody. The investigation also points to alleged irregularities in the tendering process, where Tamil Nadu-based AR Dairy was reportedly favored — allegedly with the support of YSRCP-affiliated individuals and some TTD staff members.
Appanna’s interrogation is being viewed as a critical link in exposing the broader network behind the ghee adulteration scam. If his testimony establishes deeper involvement, senior figures like Y.V. Subba Reddy may be officially brought under the scanner.