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Amravati/New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has registered a cash laundering case to probe an alleged ghee adulteration rip-off linked to the preparation of ‘laddu prasadam’ on the well-known Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati, officers stated. The federal probe company booked a case beneath the Prevention of Cash Laundering Act (PMLA) someday again to probe the alleged proceeds of crime or illicit funds generated by the accused, they stated.
The ED is trying on the FIR, paperwork and chargesheet filed lately within the case by a CBI-led particular investigation workforce (SIT), the officers stated. The SIT has named 36 folks, together with 9 Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officers and 5 dairy specialists, as accused within the matter.
As per the findings of the SIT, the unique materials which was offered to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple physique as ghee was chemically processed palmolein oil and different substances.
The ED is alleged cash laundering carried out by the accused and doable technology of illicit funds by the accused via ghee adulteration, the officers stated.
They stated that the company suspects involvement of hawala dealings and diversion of funds by the accused on this case.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had claimed in September 2024 that animal fats was utilized in getting ready Tirupati laddus (consecrated candy) throughout the earlier YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime within the state, triggering a large political row.
As per TTD Chairman B R Naidu, who addressed a press convention in January, practically 60 lakh kg of adulterated ghee, valued at roughly Rs 250 crore, was provided to the TTD throughout the earlier YSRCP authorities.
