Dinesh Falahari sticks to allegations against Virat Kohli
Dinesh Falahari reiterates claims regarding Virat Kohli's visit to Premanand Maharaj's ashram, despite a strong denial from the cricketer's team.
The controversy surrounding Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli and his visits to the ashram of spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan has taken a sharp turn. Despite a forceful denial from Kohli's representatives, Dinesh Falahari, President of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, has refused to back down from his explosive claims.
The core of the allegations
Dinesh Falahari has alleged that Kohli's visit to the ashram was not merely a matter of personal faith, but part of a calculated promotional exercise. According to Falahari, when Premanand Maharaj was a relatively unknown saint, a PR firm from Maharashtra and a property group from Rajasthan sought to expand his reach to a massive audience.
Falahari claims that as part of this promotional strategy, the group brought the star batter to meet the Maharaj. He further alleged that a sum of approximately Rs 5 crore was spent on this specific endeavor. The allegations suggest that the group eventually entered into a dispute with the spiritual leader over certain matters.
Falahari's claims on Kohli's intentions
While the allegations are serious, Falahari maintained that he holds no ill will toward either the cricketer or the saint. He expressed deep respect for Premanand Maharaj, describing him as a genuine guide who has led millions of Hindus through his discourses.
In a surprising twist, Falahari offered a nuanced view of Kohli's character amidst the controversy. He claimed:
- When Kohli first met the Maharaj, he allegedly accepted the money provided for the visit.
- The cricketer later felt he had committed a mistake or a sin due to the transaction.
- Upon his second visit, Kohli reportedly returned a substantial portion of that money to the Maharaj.
- Even now, Kohli continues to support the food and essential needs of the sadhaks living at the ashram.
Falahari also noted that Kohli's wife, actress Anushka Sharma, has also developed a strong devotion toward Radha Rani.
Virat Kohli's team issues strong denial
The legal and media representatives for Virat Kohli have responded with a categorical rejection of these claims. In a formal statement, Kohli's team labeled the allegations as "completely false, baseless and factually incorrect."
The team emphasized that the cricketer's connection to the spiritual leader is rooted entirely in personal belief. "Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji," the statement read. They further urged the media to verify facts and exercise due diligence before amplifying such statements.
The association between the Kohli family and Premanand Maharaj has been public knowledge for some time, with both Virat and Anushka Sharma having been seen meeting the spiritual leader on multiple occasions in Vrindavan.