Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has strongly rejected allegations that he was paid ₹5 crore to visit 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, amid scrutiny surrounding the mysterious death of a disciple at Premanand Maharaj’s Radha Keli Kunj Ashram.
Kohli’s spokesperson has categorically denied the claim, describing it as “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect”. According to his team, Kohli’s visits to Premanand Maharaj are driven solely by his personal faith and reverence for the spiritual leader.
The statement also urged media organisations to verify claims before publishing or amplifying them and to exercise greater responsibility while reporting on the matter.
Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, have been regular visitors to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram. Their first widely reported visit took place on January 4, 2023, and the couple has returned several times since. Their association with the spiritual leader has continued even after Kohli retired from T20I cricket.
There is currently no evidence establishing that Kohli or Anushka Sharma received any payment for their visits to the ashram.
Why the Ashram is under scrutiny
The allegations surrounding Kohli emerged at a time when Premanand Maharaj’s ashram itself is facing scrutiny following the death of disciple Rasik Dulari.
Rasik Dulari died on September 25 after falling from the fourth floor of the ashram. Mathura Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, including whether he had been experiencing mental stress or depression.
Investigators are examining his life before he joined the ashram and attempting to establish whether there were significant changes in his behaviour or circumstances in the period preceding his death. Police have reportedly examined his old mobile phone, a new SIM card, call-detail records, chats and other digital evidence to reconstruct his final days.
Authorities have so far recorded statements from 85 people as part of the investigation.
