ED conducts searches across eight cities in TTD ghee adulteration case, uncovers cash and property links

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out extensive search operations at 15 locations across multiple cities in connection with its investigation into the alleged Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) ghee adulteration fraud case. The agency said the searches resulted in the seizure of cash and the discovery of investments linked to alleged proceeds of crime running into several crores of rupees.

According to an official statement issued by the ED, the searches were conducted as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to the alleged adulteration fraud involving supplies connected to the TTD ecosystem.

Searches conducted across multiple states

The agency said search operations were carried out simultaneously at 15 premises located in Ahilyanagar, Bikaner, Dehradun, Delhi, Dindigul, Guntur, Mumbai and Roorkee.

Investigators examined financial records, property-related documents, digital devices and other materials during the raids. The coordinated operation involved multiple ED teams working across different states to trace financial transactions and assets allegedly connected to the case.

The searches form part of the agency’s broader efforts to establish the money trail and identify beneficiaries linked to the alleged fraud.

Cash seized during raids

The Enforcement Directorate said that cash amounting to ₹60 lakh was recovered during the course of the searches.

Officials indicated that the recovered cash would be examined as part of the ongoing investigation into financial transactions associated with the case.

The seizure is among the significant findings reported during the latest round of searches and is expected to be analysed alongside other evidence collected by investigators.

Property investments worth over ₹45 crore come under scanner

A major revelation from the search operation relates to alleged investments of Proceeds of Crime (PoC) in properties valued at more than ₹45 croreaccording to the ED.

The agency said documents and disclosures obtained during the raids pointed towards substantial investments in immovable assets. Investigators are now examining the source of funds used for these acquisitions and their possible connection to the alleged fraud.

Officials also gathered details regarding multiple immovable properties allegedly held in the names of accused individuals and their family members.

Probe focuses on money trail

The ED’s investigation is aimed at tracing the movement and utilisation of funds suspected to have originated from unlawful activities connected to the alleged adulteration fraud.

Authorities are scrutinising financial transactions, ownership structures, asset acquisitions and banking records to determine how the alleged proceeds were generated and subsequently invested.

The agency has not disclosed the identities of all individuals under investigation, but officials indicated that several financial and property-related leads have emerged from the latest searches.

Investigation continues

The TTD ghee adulteration case has attracted considerable attention due to its connection with one of the country’s most prominent temple institutions. The latest searches suggest that investigators are now focusing heavily on the financial dimensions of the alleged fraud.

With ₹60 lakh in cash seized and property links worth over ₹45 crore reportedly uncovered, the Enforcement Directorate is expected to intensify its investigation in the coming days.

Officials said the evidence collected during the searches is being analysed and further action will be taken based on the findings. Additional summons, seizures or legal proceedings may follow as the agency continues to examine the alleged money laundering aspects of the case.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the ED has indicated that efforts are underway to identify all individuals and entities connected to the alleged proceeds of crime.