Indian batter Virat Kohli has shrugged off the allegations about receiving money to visit spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan, calling the allegations ‘baseless and factually incorrect’. President of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma, claimed that Virat Kohli was paid Rs 5 crore to visit the ashram for the first time in order to enhance the popularity of Premanand Maharaj.
However, Virat Kohli's team has outrightly denied the allegations, terming the visit as part of faith and deep respect for Maharaj Ji. Meanwhile, the allegations surface after the mysterious death of a disciple of Premanand Ji Maharaj, Rasik Dulari, at his Radha Keli Kunj Ashram.
"Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj 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 sensibly," the statement stated.
Virat Kohli, along with his wife Anushka Sharma, first visited Vrindavan on January 4, 2023, to seek the blessings of Premanand Maharaj. And, since then, he has been to Vrindavan a few times.