New Delhi, October 7: Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has strongly refuted allegations that he was paid Rs 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 a controversy surrounding Premanand Maharaj following the mysterious death of a disciple at his Radha Keli Kunj Ashram.
Sharma had claimed that Rs 5 crore was paid to bring Kohli to the ashram as part of an alleged effort to increase the spiritual leader’s popularity.
Kohli’s spokesperson, however, categorically rejected the allegation, describing it as “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect”.
“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.
The spokesperson further said Kohli’s visits to Premanand Maharaj were motivated by personal faith and reverence.
“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 previously visited Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan, with their meetings attracting considerable public attention.
The latest controversy comes amid scrutiny surrounding the spiritual leader and his ashram following the reported death of a disciple. Kohli’s team has maintained that the cricketer’s association with Premanand Maharaj is based solely on personal faith and has denied any financial arrangement behind his visits.
