TTD EO Blames Previous Board for Goshala Mess
He further revealed that tenders were floated for fodder supply to the non-functional Kamalaiahgaripalle Goshala, situated 35 km away from the operational SV Goshala in Tirupati. This, he alleged, was an attempt to inflate transportation costs and benefit the contractor.
Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) executive officer J. Syamala Rao on Monday made serious allegations against the previous TTD Trust Board, accusing it of widespread irregularities in the management of the Sri Venkateswara (SV) Goshala. Refuting former Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy’s claims of over 100 suspicious cow deaths, Rao dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attempts to tarnish the institution’s reputation.
Presenting evidence through a detailed PowerPoint presentation at a press briefing, Rao cited multiple vigilance reports that exposed negligence during the previous administration. A report dated April 1, 2024, revealed the use of expired veterinary medicines, with some dumped within the Goshala premises. He also pointed out that substandard, wet, and worm-infested fodder had been supplied, endangering the cattle’s health. The failure to isolate sick animals, he said, had further increased the risk of disease transmission.
Rao highlighted financial irregularities as detailed in vigilance reports dated July 22 and September 7, 2021. According to the reports, one contractor was allegedly favoured in the awarding of fodder supply contracts, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 1.16 crore to TTD. The same contractor received Rs 1.78 crore for fodder supplies while enjoying free access to TTD resources such as land, water, electricity, and even cow dung. The actual expenditure, however, was only estimated at Rs 78 lakh.
He further revealed that tenders were floated for fodder supply to the non-functional Kamalaiahgaripalle Goshala, situated 35 km away from the operational SV Goshala in Tirupati. This, he alleged, was an attempt to inflate transportation costs and benefit the contractor.
The EO claimed that the previous administration had tried to block vigilance probes and suppress critical findings. “Why wasn’t there any concern for the welfare of cows then?” he questioned, adding that the current administration has initiated corrective actions under the supervision of a newly appointed Goshala director.
Addressing concerns over cattle mortality, Rao clarified that deaths were mostly due to old age and illness, as donors typically offer aged or ailing animals. On average, 15 cows die every month. In the last three months, 43 deaths were recorded, with a total of 179 in 2024. Meanwhile, 59 calves were born, indicating ongoing care.
Rao said reforms have been implemented across TTD departments over the past year under the guidance of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, improving hygiene, veterinary services, feed quality, and accountability.