After fake ghee, ₹55 crore silk dupatta scam surfaces in Tirupati Temple Trust

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been hit by another major procurement scandal, with an internal vigilance inquiry uncovering an alleged fraud of over ₹55 crore in the purchase of ceremonial silk dupattas. The findings have prompted the trust to order a detailed probe and refer the matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

According to the inquiry, dupattas supplied over the past decade and billed as pure mulberry silk were actually made of polyester. These dupattas, known as Pattu Sariga dupattas, are used in important temple rituals and are presented to donors, Veda Aseervachanam recipients, and visiting dignitaries during ceremonies at Tirumala.

Vigilance officials conducted laboratory tests on samples collected from temple godowns and approved stock locations. The tests revealed that the dupattas lacked the mandatory Silk Mark and failed to meet strict specifications laid down by the trust, resulting in heavy financial loss and violation of tender conditions.

The probe also found that a single contractor and its associate firms supplied most of the dupattas between 2015 and 2025. Following the revelations, the TTD board cancelled all existing tenders with the firm and directed the Anti-Corruption Bureau to conduct a comprehensive criminal investigation.

Officials said the alleged substitution of polyester for silk not only caused financial damage but also affected the sanctity of temple rituals. The scam adds to a growing list of controversies involving the trust’s procurement processes, increasing pressure for stronger oversight and transparency.