Ttd Engulfed In ₹54.95 Crore Angavastram Scandal: Vip Shawl Quality Shocker

TTD's Latest Controversy: Subpar Shawls for VIPs

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) finds itself embroiled in yet another controversy, as a shocking ₹54.95 crore scandal over substandard angavastrams unfolds. These shawls, traditionally gifted to VIPs visiting the revered shrine of Lord Venkateswara, are at the center of what is being described as one of the temple administration's most significant procurement crises in the last decade.

Allegations surfaced about the silk cloth supplied between 2015 and 2025, pointing to glaring violations of tender specifications. Initial investigations suggest that the shawls, which were supposed to be pure silk, were actually inferior dupattas, triggering suspicions of deliberate quality dilution and procurement manipulation.

“We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability,” stated TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, as the scandal's scale became apparent.

Investigations Reveal Shocking Details

In response to the allegations, Chairman B.R. Naidu initiated a thorough vigilance probe. The results were alarming – the shawls failed to meet even the basic tender standards. Initial testing, limited to a single institution in Kanchipuram, bypassed other crucial verification methods outlined in procurement guidelines.

Further scrutiny involved sending samples to Central Silk Board laboratories in Bengaluru and Dharmavaram, where independent testing confirmed the inferior quality of materials. Investigators also identified fake holograms and missing traditional Sankhu, Chakra, and Namam imprints – essential tender requirements.

Action and Consequences

The inquiry unveiled that a single Nagari-based organisation, linked to Tirupati district, had been the sole supplier since 2015, sometimes involving family-owned firms. Despite a case worker being transferred, they have yet to assume their new role.

Reacting swiftly to the findings, the TTD Trust Board decided to seek a comprehensive probe by the Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Concurrently, the TTD engaged the Ministry of Textiles for technical support, which appointed Dr. S. Arunkumar as Regional Director to assist in verifying the quality of both standard and premium silk shawls.

Looking Ahead: Ensuring Quality and Accountability

In a bid to rectify the situation and restore trust, discussions with Tamil Nadu Co-optex for high-quality, handwoven mulberry silk are in progress. This issue is set to be the main focus at the upcoming TTD Trust Board meeting on December 16, as they strive to prevent future discrepancies and uphold the shrine's integrity.