The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing trust of the Tirumala temple, is facing serious questions after an internal vigilance probe uncovered a Rs 54 crore scandal involving fake silk dupattas supplied between 2015 and 2025. The inquiry revealed that the contractor had allegedly passed off 100% polyester material as pure mulberry silk, violating tender norms and causing massive financial loss to the temple trust.

How the large-scale fraud was uncovered

According to the vigilance findings, a single contractor and its sister firms were involved in supplying dupattas meant for donors and temple rituals. Despite the tender mandate requiring pure mulberry silk, the firm consistently delivered polyester products while billing the temple trust at silk prices.

The probe, launched after concerns were raised by TTD Chairman BR Naidu, found that a dupatta costing around Rs 350 was billed at Rs 1,300, inflating costs across ten years. Samples sent for scientific testing—including to a Central Silk Board laboratory—confirmed the material was polyester.

Officials also flagged that the mandatory silk hologram used to verify authenticity was missing from the samples.

TTD cancels tenders, refers case to ACB

After receiving the vigilance report, the TTD Trust Board cancelled all existing tenders linked to the firm and transferred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for further investigation.

Chairman BR Naidu said the total supplies during the period exceeded Rs 50 crore and emphasised the need for a thorough ACB probe.

Another controversy for the temple administration

The dupatta scam adds to a list of procurement-related concerns that have recently surfaced at the temple. Earlier, controversies related to alleged adulteration of ghee used in laddu prasadam and the Parakamani (hundi counting) theft case had raised alarms over internal oversight.

With recurring procurement lapses, pressure is mounting on the temple administration to tighten its auditing and vendor scrutiny mechanisms.

The BJP has criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his upcoming Berlin trip during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, calling him a “Leader of Paryatan” and accusing him of avoiding parliamentary responsibilities. The Congress responded strongly, saying the attacks are politically motivated and questioned why similar scrutiny is not applied to the Prime Minister’s foreign visits.

BJP questions timing of Rahul Gandhi’s foreign visit

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to travel to Berlin from December 15 to 20 to attend an event of the Indian Overseas Congress, even as the Parliament session runs until December 19. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla attacked him, alleging that Gandhi prefers travelling abroad over addressing issues in Parliament.
He claimed Rahul Gandhi was “a non-serious politician” and accused him of going abroad to “defame India”.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also questioned Gandhi’s absence during key parliamentary proceedings, describing him as a “part-time” leader who later complains about not getting opportunities to speak.

Congress counters, cites PM Modi’s foreign travel record

Priyanka Gandhi dismissed the BJP’s criticism, saying the Prime Minister himself spends significant time travelling abroad. She questioned why Rahul Gandhi’s official visit was being targeted despite him serving as Leader of the Opposition.

Deputy LoP Gaurav Gogoi alleged the attacks were aimed at diverting attention from Rahul Gandhi’s questions on alleged electoral irregularities, adding that the ruling party lacked answers.

Indian Overseas Congress calls it a major outreach initiative

The Indian Overseas Congress said Rahul Gandhi’s visit would focus on engaging with the Indian diaspora and strengthening the organisation globally.
According to the group, Gandhi will interact with IOC presidents from various European countries to discuss party strengthening, NRI concerns and expanding the outreach of the Congress ideology.

Ajay Gupta, co-owner of the Goa nightclub where a devastating fire killed 25 people, has been detained in Delhi and maintains he held only a partnership role in the establishment. He was taken into custody after admitting himself to a hospital, even as two other owners remain missing.

Gupta taken into custody amid widening probe

Ajay Gupta, one of the owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Goa, was detained on Tuesday after authorities located him at the Institute of Brain and Spine in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar. Officials said Gupta arrived at the hospital in an Innova car with a Haryana registration number.

As he was being taken away, Gupta told media, “I’m only a partner and nothing else.”

A lookout notice had earlier been issued against him after a Goa Police team failed to trace him at his Delhi residence. Gupta is expected to be presented before the Saket Court, while Goa Police are seeking a transit remand so he can be taken back to the state for further interrogation.

Luthra brothers still absconding, blue corner notice issued

Two other co-owners, Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, remain untraceable. Investigators found that they boarded a flight to Phuket around 5:30 am on Sunday, just hours after the tragedy.
The Delhi and Goa Police teams are now conducting searches at locations linked to them, including suspected safe houses.

What happened at the nightclub?

A musical night at the club turned tragic when flames engulfed the venue, with videos showing thick smoke and fire rapidly spreading. Another clip captured a dancer performing to ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ moments before the ceiling caught fire.

Although the exact cause has not been confirmed, initial suspicion points to fireworks used during a performance.

Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence and acts endangering life. Four staff members, including the manager, have already been arrested.

Officials from departments responsible for issuing licences and permits to the establishment have also been summoned to examine possible procedural lapses.