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Temple Dupatta Scam: Silk Fraud Uncovered
10 Dec
Summary
- Tirumala temple alleges duping of crores in silk dupattas.
- Polyester dupattas were sold as pure mulberry silk for a decade.
- The scam involved over Rs 54.95 crore in fraudulent sales.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has accused a supplier of defrauding the temple trust of crores by selling polyester dupattas disguised as pure mulberry silk. This alleged scam spanned a decade, from 2015 to 2025, involving fraudulent sales amounting to nearly Rs 54.95 crore. The TTD board has now escalated the matter, referring the 'dupatta scam' to the state anti-corruption bureau (ACB) for a comprehensive investigation.
The vigilance and security wing of the TTD, under chairman BR Naidu, initiated an examination to verify if the supplied dupattas met the strict tender specifications. These norms mandate pure mulberry silk with specific yarn counts, 'Om Namo Venkatesaya' inscriptions, and precise dimensions. However, scientific analysis of samples from the firm, VRS Export of Nagari, confirmed the material was polyester, not silk, and lacked the mandatory silk hologram.
Authorities procured these dupattas for distribution to donors and VIPs during temple ceremonies. The investigation revealed that the same firm had supplied approximately 15,000 dupattas at around Rs 1,389 each. The TTD has resolved to pursue criminal action against all individuals implicated in this extensive fraud, seeking to recover the losses incurred.
