Virat Kohli’s Team Rejects ₹5 Crore Claim Over Premanand Maharaj Ashram Visit Amid Growing Scrutiny

Virat Kohli’s spokesperson on Wednesday rejected as “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect” an allegation that the Indian cricketer was paid ₹5 crore for his first visit to spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan.

The allegation was made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas. Sharma alleged that a Rajasthan-based private company and a property-builder lobby had spent ₹5 crore to facilitate Kohli’s first visit to the ashram in 2023. The claim has not been independently verified, and no publicly available evidence has emerged to establish that Kohli received the alleged amount.

Kohli’s spokesperson strongly rejected the claim, saying the cricketer’s visits to Premanand Maharaj were motivated by “deep faith and reverence”. The statement also urged the media to exercise due diligence and verify facts before reporting or amplifying such allegations.

The controversy comes amid increased scrutiny of the Vrindavan establishment following the death of 25-year-old disciple Deepak Lodhi, also known as Rasik Dulari Sharan, on September 25.

Lodhi died after falling from the fourth floor of a building associated with the ashram. CCTV footage reportedly showed him sitting on the rooftop for around 11 seconds before apparently going over the edge. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding his death, along with forensic evidence.

The case drew further attention after reports said Lodhi’s post-mortem recorded multiple injuries, including a severe injury to his genital area. Police also recovered a grinder from his room and are examining whether it was connected to the injury and whether anyone else was involved.

Deepak’s family has also raised questions about his access to them after he joined the ashram. Relatives alleged that they were not allowed to meet him and had been unable to speak to him for a prolonged period. They also claimed that after his death, family members were made to wait outside before receiving details about the incident. These claims are part of the broader questions surrounding the case and have not been established as findings against the ashram.

Against this backdrop, the allegation concerning Kohli has brought renewed attention to his association with Premanand Maharaj. Kohli and Anushka Sharma have visited the spiritual leader several times over the years, with their visits attracting considerable public attention.