ED Raids Illuminate Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Ghee Fraud Conspiracy

The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) ongoing efforts against financial crimes led to a series of strategic raids across six Indian states, targeting the ghee adulteration scam connected to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The agency extended its search across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Delhi, uncovering pivotal evidence against the accused.

In a significant development, ED reported the seizure of Rs 60 lakh in cash and uncovered investments related to Proceeds of Crime (PoC) worth over Rs 45 crore. These findings are linked to properties allegedly held by those embroiled in the scandal. The operation covered prominent figures and key premises from residential properties to business establishments associated with Pomil Jain, Vipin Jain, and others.

The agency's probe into this intricate fraud unveiled a web of legal and business entities orchestrated to disguise unlawful profits amassed from the supply of tainted ghee. The ED began the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on prior allegations involving a criminal breach of trust and cheating against TTD by entities like AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)