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CBI Probes Alleged Laddu Prasadam Record Manipulation in Tirupati

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 12:14 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: INDIA

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh - January 29th, 2026 - A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) has commenced a full probe into the long-running controversy surrounding alleged manipulation of records concerning the famed laddu prasadam offered at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The investigation, initiated at the request of the current Andhra Pradesh government, is expected to shed light on claims that the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) administration manufactured evidence to implicate leaders of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in a fabricated scandal.

The laddu prasadam, a sweet confection offered as prasad (a religious offering) to devotees visiting the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, holds immense religious and cultural significance. Any perceived manipulation of its production or distribution is therefore considered a serious matter, particularly given the TTD's vast financial resources and the temple's immense popularity.

The origins of the current probe trace back to allegations made by a former TTD employee, Ramana, in 2023. Ramana claimed irregularities in the records pertaining to the distribution of the laddu prasadam, specifically suggesting that efforts were made to falsely link YSRCP leaders to improper practices. The Andhra Pradesh High Court, responding to these allegations, initially ordered a CBI investigation in July 2023, but the process saw delays until the current YSRCP government reiterated its request and provided the necessary impetus for the SIT to be established.

The YSRCP has consistently maintained that the accusations are baseless and politically motivated, orchestrated by the TDP to damage their reputation. YV Subba Reddy, a prominent YSRCP spokesperson, welcomed the CBI-led SIT, describing it as a "decisive blow" to the "politically manufactured falsehoods" propagated by the previous government. He asserts that the investigation will definitively prove the allegations are unfounded and that the charges were deliberately fabricated to target key YSRCP figures.

"For years, we've argued this was a clear attempt to smear our party's image. The CBI probe, with its impartial investigation, will finally expose the truth," stated Subba Reddy in a press conference earlier today. "The previous TDP administration misused its power and resources to harass our leaders based on fabricated claims originating from a disgruntled former employee."

The potential ramifications of the SIT's findings are significant. If the allegations of fabrication are substantiated, it could lead to legal repercussions for individuals within the former TDP government who allegedly orchestrated the scheme. It could also further exacerbate the already strained political relationship between the YSRCP and the TDP, a rivalry that has dominated Andhra Pradesh politics for decades.

However, the investigation is not without its complexities. Ensuring the authenticity of the records, tracing the origins of the alleged manipulation, and determining the extent of involvement of various individuals will be crucial. The CBI will need to meticulously examine financial transactions, communication records, and witness testimonies to build a solid case.

The TTD itself, an autonomous body managing the temple affairs, is also under scrutiny. Questions are being raised about internal controls and the mechanisms in place to prevent manipulation of records. The SIT is expected to review the TTD's internal audit procedures and assess whether any systemic weaknesses contributed to the alleged irregularities.

This case highlights the delicate intersection of politics, religion, and public trust. The outcome of the CBI-led SIT probe is anticipated to have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh and the reputation of the TTD. The investigation promises to reveal the truth behind the allegations and determine whether the 'laddu prasadam' scandal was indeed a politically motivated fabrication or a legitimate case of wrongdoing.