One-man panel begins probe into TTD ghee-tender irregularities

The one-man commission constituted by the State government to probe alleged irregularities in the relaxation and enforcement of ghee-tender norms began its work on Tuesday, marking the start of a high-stakes inquiry into administrative accountability within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

The panel, headed by retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar, formally commenced proceedings after offering prayers at the hill shrine in Tirumala. Mr. Kumar, who arrived in Tirupati on Monday evening, held preliminary consultations and initiated steps to set up an operational office for the inquiry. The annexe building at Sri Padmavati Rest House in Tirupati is likely to serve as the commission’s headquarters during the course of the probe.

Highlighting the seriousness attached to the issue, the government appointed a team of senior retired officials to assist the commission. They include former IFS officer Munindra, Assistant Secretary-to-Government Siva Kumar and RTGS Deputy CEO Madhuri. TTD deputed its Assistant Executive Officer-Properties N. Ravi as liaison officer to coordinate and provide logistical support.

The inquiry gains significance in the backdrop of a self-contained note submitted by the CBI-led Special Investigation Team, which pointed to serious administrative lapses and procedural deviations in the handling of ghee-procurement tenders. The commission has begun examining official records and documents related to the tender process.

Sources said the panel is likely to summon and record statements from former TTD chairpersons and senior officials, apart from those associated with the marketing, procurement and godown wings whose roles were cited in the SIT findings. The scope of the probe includes scrutiny of decision-making processes, adherence to prescribed norms and the chain-of-responsibility in granting relaxations.

As per the mandate, the commission is required to submit its report within 45 days.