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Responding to the matter, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu said, “We have found some irregularities in the procurement department. Taking serious note of this, we have handed over the investigation to the ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau).”
A silk dupatta scam surfaces at Tirupati Devasthanam
Tirupati: Another major scam has come to light at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Massive irregularities have been uncovered in the supply of silk dupattas to the temple administration between 2015 and 2025.
An investigation by the vigilance department revealed that polyester dupattas were supplied under the guise of 'silk,' and crores of rupees were charged for them. The amount involved in this scam is estimated to be over Rs 54 crore.
According to sources, a contractor supplied approximately 15,000 dupattas at a rate of Rs 1,389 per piece, claiming them to be 'silk dupattas'. However, when samples were sent to two labs, including the Central Silk Board, the reports clearly showed that the dupattas were not made of real silk but entirely of polyester.
Investigation handed over to ACB
Responding to the matter, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu said, "We have found some irregularities in the procurement department. Taking serious note of this, we have handed over the investigation to the ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau)."
TTD has been embroiled in controversies before
Fake Ghee and Adulteration Case (2024): In September 2024, a stir was created when the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh alleged that the ghee used in the sacred Tirupati laddus might be adulterated and not pure cow ghee. Following this, a SIT (Special Investigation Team) was formed under the supervision of the CBI, and an investigation into the entire supply chain was initiated.
Parakamani Case (2023): On April 29, 2023, a clerk named C.V. Ravi Kumar, associated with the Parakamani department, was arrested. He was accused of stealing money from the donations offered by devotees in the Srivari Hundi (donation box).
Increased Challenges for TTD
Following these controversies, the Rs 54 crore silk scarf scam is once again raising questions about the transparency of the temple administration. Investigating agencies are now looking into how this fraud continued for 10 years, who was involved, and which officials are suspected of complicity. The investigation is ongoing, and further revelations are expected.
