A significant development has emerged in the Tirumala adulterated ghee case, with three accused turning approvers and formally admitting their role before the court. Among them is dairy expert Dr. Battala Surendranath, who acknowledged his involvement and explained the circumstances that led to his actions.
Dr. Surendranath appeared before the court in the first week of December and recorded his confession. Along with admitting the offense, he detailed how he came into contact with those involved in the adulterated ghee operations and how he extended cooperation to certain dairies.
Senior Dairy Scientist Admits Role in Supply Chain Irregularities
Dr. Battala Surendranath previously served as Head of the Chemistry Division at the Bengaluru regional centre of the National Dairy Research Institute. He retired five years ago and had long been regarded as a leading scientist in dairy technology, particularly in the field of ghee production.
From 2013, he assisted Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in matters related to ghee procurement. His role included providing technical advice, preparing required reports, and inspecting dairies participating in supply tenders. He also evaluated manufacturing capacity at dairy plants and submitted findings to the authorities.
As part of this process, he worked as a member of the plant inspection committee appointed by TTD in the capacity of a ghee expert. His association with TTD was largely limited to official communication with the Marketing General Manager and the executive officer, with whom he interacted directly regarding procurement and inspection matters.
Approver Status Granted to Three Accused
In addition to Dr. Surendranath, two others in the case — a chemical supply trader and an employee of Bhole Baba Dairy — also admitted their involvement before the court. All three have now been treated as approvers in the ongoing investigation into adulterated ghee supply linked to Tirumala.
During his statement, Dr. Surendranath described how individuals involved in the illegal activity influenced him through protocol arrangements during visits to Tirumala, including assistance in darshan and accommodation. He admitted that he was drawn by these gestures and eventually cooperated with the dairies in the adulteration matter.
Role in TTD Procurement and Inspection Oversight
Records show that Dr. Surendranath had earlier played a strict and transparent role in ghee supply inspections and quality verification during the previous administration. No allegations were recorded against him during that period.
Following the change in government in 2019, developments in the case began to unfold differently, eventually leading to the present investigation and court proceedings. Authorities continue to examine the extent of involvement of all accused and the operational aspects of the adulterated ghee supply.
The court has taken the confessions on record, and further legal proceedings in the case are ongoing.
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