New Tirumala Temple Dupatta Scam: Polyester Sold as Pure Silk in ₹54.95 Cr Fraud

New Delhi (India) December 10: The discovery of a new fraud scandal involving fake "dupattas" being sold under the guise of pure silk to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple has created ripples in the temple's administration and with its devotees. 

Vendor VRS Exports Deceived TTD for a Decade with Fake Silk Dupattas

The Vigilance Department of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) found that there was extensive fraud and deception by a vendor who provided inferior quality polyester dupattas instead of genuine mulberry silk dupattas for almost 10 years.

These dupattas are typically provided during special events for VIP visitors and religious ceremonies conducted on the premises of the temple, such as during the Rangnayakula Mandapam, before the deities in the temple. 

The dupattas are sacred ceremonial items given to dignitaries and donors. Upon investigating the matter it was determined that between 2015 and 2025 there had been counterfeit dupattas provided by a particular firm, VRS Exports, located in Nagari, near Tirupati.

Vigilance Probe Uncovers Polyester Dupattas Lacking Required Certifications

When the TTD leadership became suspicious about inconsistencies with the procurement process for these dupattas, TTD Chairman BR Naidu directed TTD officials to conduct a prompt review of the dupatta procurement practices. 

Officials procured samples of dupattas from both current stock housed in the Tirupati warehouses and in the Vaibhavotsavam Mandapam. The dupatta samples were subjected to extensive testing at the Central Silk Board laboratories located in Bengaluru and Dharmavaram.

The results of their report demonstrate that the analyzed samples were made from polyester rather than silk. In addition, the dupattas did not possess the requisite hologram for silk nor fulfilled the size, weight, border design and Woven Text ("Om Namo Venkatesaya" in Sanskrit on one side; sacred symbols in Telugu on the other).

₹54.95 Crore Fraud Linked to Tender Manipulation Under Previous Government

Through its investigation into this matter, TTD's Vigilance Department uncovered that the vendor had continually sold TTD 100 percent polyester dupattas as if they were 100 percent pure Mulberry Silk dupattas. There has been a total amount of approximately 54.95 crores rupees in fraudulent activity related to this type of dupatta purchase. 

The dupattas were purchased due to tenders given to VRS Exports who has been a vendor since the previous YSR Congress Party Government of the state and had been awarded exceedingly favourable terms regarding the tender.

Dupatta Scam Adds to Recent TTD Scandals

The dupatta scam adds to a growing list of procurement scandals and theft issues that have recently come to light concerning TTD's procurement procedures, including the recently developed high-profile scandal regarding alleged adulteration of ghee in the sacred laddu prasadam and also having come out of the Parakamani (hundi money counting) theft case as well.