‘Completely false’: Virat Kohli reacts to ₹5 crore claim over Premanand Maharaj visit

The allegation was made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma, president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas. Sharma reportedly claimed that Rs. 5 crore was spent to bring Kohli to Premanand Maharaj's ashram.

However, there is no independently verified evidence establishing that Kohli was paid Rs. 5 crore for his visit.

Kohli's team rejects allegation

Kohli's spokesperson strongly denied the claim and said the cricketer's visits to Premanand Maharaj were motivated by faith.

"We would like to categorically state that the claims made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma in regards to Mr. Virat Kohli are completely false, baseless and factually incorrect," Kohli's team said in a statement, as quoted by media reports.

"Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji. We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly," the statement added.

Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, have visited the Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan on several occasions, including with their children.

Their first widely reported visit took place in January 2023.

Death of Premanand Maharaj's disciple

The controversy comes amid scrutiny surrounding the death of 25-year-old Deepak Lodhi, also known after initiation as Rasik Dulari Sharan, a disciple associated with Premanand Maharaj's ashram.

Lodhi died on September 25 after falling from the fourth floor of a building in Vrindavan. Police have been examining CCTV footage and forensic evidence to establish the circumstances leading to his death.

According to CCTV footage reported by The Times of India, Lodhi was seen on the rooftop for around 11 seconds before suddenly getting up and falling from the building. Another disciple was reportedly seen approaching the rooftop shortly before the fall.

Grinder found in disciple's room

A grinder was reportedly recovered from Lodhi's room, while the post-mortem examination indicated multiple injuries, including severe injuries to his private parts.

Investigators are examining the grinder for fingerprints and other forensic evidence to determine whether it was connected to the injuries.

Police are also investigating whether Lodhi sustained the injury himself or whether another person was involved.

Police have so far treated the death as a suspected suicide based on the available CCTV evidence, but the investigation into the circumstances preceding the fall remains ongoing.

Forensic and other evidence is being examined before any definitive conclusion is reached.