VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has refused to grant anticipatory bail to Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, a dairy expert and member of the technical inspection team of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), in connection with the alleged supply of adulterated ghee used in the preparation of the sacred Tirumala laddu.
Justice Venkata Jyothirmayi Pratapa delivered the order dismissing the anticipatory bail petition filed by Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, who is listed as the 34th accused in the case. The court observed that the allegations are serious and that the investigation into the matter is still at a crucial stage, making it inappropriate to grant anticipatory bail at this point.
The prosecution alleged that the petitioner played a role in facilitating the supply of fake ghee used for preparing the famous Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple laddu. The court noted that the laddu offered at the temple is considered extremely sacred by devotees and is closely linked with their religious sentiments and public faith.
The prosecution further alleged that a conspiracy was hatched even before the tender process began, and the petitioner reportedly received Rs 75 lakh through hawala channels.
Considering these allegations and the need for a deeper investigation, the court ruled that anticipatory bail could not be granted.
The court also stated that it must be determined whether the required inspections of the ghee were conducted according to legal norms.
Senior advocate CV Mohan Reddy, appearing for the petitioner, argued that Vijay Bhaskar Reddy had no connection with the companies that supplied ghee to TTD, including Bhole Baba and Vaishnavi Dairies.
He stated that the petitioner was only a member of the evaluation and inspection committee and had no role in procurement decisions.
He also pointed out that the investigation had progressed and a preliminary chargesheet had already been filed.