The investigation into the alleged adulterated ghee used in the preparation of Tirumala Srivari Laddu prasadam has reached a crucial stage, with the Central Bureau of Investigation intensifying its probe. On Monday, CBI officials questioned senior YSR Congress leader and former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board member Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy inside the Vijayawada district jail, where he is currently lodged as a remand prisoner in another case.
The questioning followed special court permission secured by the CBI, which is probing allegations that adulterated ghee was supplied for laddu preparation during the previous government’s tenure. Investigators focused on Chevireddy’s role as an ex-officio TTD board member at the time when key procurement decisions were allegedly taken. According to sources, the agency examined changes made to tender conditions for ghee purchases and sought explanations on how contracts were allegedly awarded to ineligible suppliers.
The probe is also examining the role of a Uttarakhand-based dairy firm that allegedly received ghee supply contracts in violation of established norms. Investigators are trying to determine whether there was political influence in the procurement process and whether quality test reports were manipulated to clear substandard material.
A special CBI SIT comprising senior officers reportedly questioned Chevireddy for nearly three hours. His statement was recorded after he was confronted with several documents related to procurement files, quality certification reports, and purchase committee decisions. Officials are also looking into whether pressure was exerted on officials responsible for quality checks.
Chevireddy is already in judicial custody in a separate liquor-related case, making the latest questioning particularly significant. With senior TTD officials, including a former executive officer, already examined, the focus of the investigation is now shifting towards political accountability. The CBI SIT, constituted following Supreme Court directions, has preliminarily estimated that around 6.8 million kilograms of adulterated ghee may have been supplied over the past five years, with the alleged scam pegged at nearly ₹250 crore.
As the investigation gathers pace, speculation is growing over who else may be questioned or served notices next, with the case continuing to draw statewide attention due to its religious, financial, and political implications.
The post CBI Questions Chevireddy in Jail Over TTD Adulterated Ghee Case appeared first on TeluguBulletin.com.
CBI Questions Chevireddy in Jail Over TTD Adulterated Ghee Case
