HighLights
  1. Falahari Maharaj apologized for Virat Kohli paid visit claim.
  2. Saints threatened boycott, demanding Dinesh Sharma's apology.
  3. Kohli's spokesperson denied allegations, citing deep faith.

Jagran Correspondent, Vrindavan | The controversy linked to cricketer Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma's visit to the ashram of spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj took a fresh dramatic turn after Falahari Maharaj (Dinesh Sharma) offered his apology for his outrageous claim that the celeb couple were paid to visit the Ashram.

The saints held a meeting at the Hanuman Tekri Ashram, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. At the meeting, spiritual leaders demanded an apology and threatened him with a community boycott, after which Dinesh Sharma, president of the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, apologised.

ALSO READ: What Changed For Virat Kohli After Meeting Premanand Maharaj? 50th Century, World Cup And RCB Glory

He released a video message in which he sought an apology. "My words have hurt the saint and his followers, so I apologize." Four days ago, Dinesh Sharma created a controversy by alleging that Kohli was paid Rs 5 crore to visit the ashram for the first time in 2023.

Kohli's Spokesperson Denies Paid Allegations

On Wednesday, a spokesperson of Kohli rejected allegations that the Indian batting stalwart was paid for his first visit to the ashram of spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj, calling them "completely false, and baseless." Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are devotees of Premanand Maharaj and have made several visits to his ashram in Vrindavan.

ALSO READ: Blood-Stained Clothes, Brief Rest And Jump: CCTV Shows Premanand Maharaj Disciple's Last Moments; What Autopsy Found?

"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 spokesperson said in a statement.

The spokesperson said Kohli's visits to the ashram were motivated by "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's visits to Premanand Maharaj's ashram have continued through significant moments in his career, including after his Test retirement in 2025. Their most recently reported visit came in July this year.

Premanand Maharaj's Ashram Suicide Case

Premanand Maharaj's Ashram has been in the news over the suspected suicide of Deepak Lodhi, a 25-year-old disciple associated with the prominent spiritual leader. The incident took place on September 25, 2026, at an apartment building linked to the ashram network in Vrindavan. The matter is being probed by the Mathura police.

(With Vipin Parashar/PTI Inputs)


Also In News