Investigation examines suspected substitution of ghee meant for Sabarimala temple, with the Travancore Devaswom Board’s reported losses estimated at ₹2.5 crore.
KERALA: The Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested transport contractor S.S. Binu in connection with the alleged diversion and substitution of approximately 11,000 litres of ghee supplied by Milma for use at Sabarimala temple.
Investigators suspect that the consignments, intended for the temple during the 2025 pilgrimage season, were diverted into private channels and replaced with lower-cost ghee. The estimated direct financial loss to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which administers the shrine, has been put at ₹2.5 crore.
The allegations are under investigation, and the arrest does not establish the contractor’s guilt.
Suspected diversion of institutional dairy supplies
According to the information provided, Binu had received a transport contract from the Travancore Devaswom Board for the 2025 pilgrimage season. Investigators allege that approximately 11,000 litres of certified Milma ghee were redirected before reaching their intended destination.
The original consignments were reportedly replaced with cheaper ghee sourced from Tamil Nadu and other locations outside Kerala.
The ghee was intended for preparing offerings at Sabarimala. The suspected substitution has raised questions about the handling of institutional dairy consignments after dispatch, including transport custody, depot documentation and verification at delivery.
Separate inquiry into supply-chain procedures
Dairy Development Minister Bindu Krishna reportedly confirmed that the department had initiated a separate inquiry. The investigation, led by the Joint Director of Dairy Development, is expected to examine loading manifests, depot dispatch records and verification procedures at cooperative processing facilities.
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Vigilance officials are also examining whether procurement officers, quality-control inspectors or warehouse personnel may have assisted in the alleged substitution. Any involvement by additional individuals remains to be established through the investigation.
Ghee authentication and quality control
Ghee quality assessment can involve several analytical parameters, including fatty-acid profiles, Reichert-Meissl values, Polenske values and butyro-refractometer readings. These tests can help assess fat composition and identify certain forms of adulteration or substitution when used with appropriate reference standards and complementary analytical methods.
However, laboratory testing is only one part of supply-chain assurance. Documented custody, batch traceability, sealed transport, reconciliation of dispatch and receipt quantities, and independent checks at delivery can help reduce the risk of product substitution.
The case has brought renewed attention to the controls required when high-value dairy products are transported for institutional use.
Implications for the dairy cooperative sector
Milma, the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, processes milk collected through cooperative networks involving dairy farmers across the state. Ghee and butter are among the value-added products manufactured from this milk supply.
The alleged diversion involves multiple parts of the supply chain, including the cooperative supplier, transport contractor, temple administration and state dairy authorities.
For dairy cooperatives and institutional buyers, the case underlines the importance of end-to-end traceability, transport accountability and independent product verification. The findings of the ongoing investigation will determine the extent of the alleged diversion, the financial loss and whether further action is warranted against other parties.
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