Dinesh Sharma apologises after claiming Premanand Maharaj paid Virat Kohli five crore rupees

Sri Krishna Janmabhumi Sangharsh Nyas president Dinesh Sharma has issued a video apology after claiming that Sant Premanand paid five crore rupees to bring Indian cricketer Virat Kohli to his ashram in 2023. Vrindavan sadhus held a meeting at Hanuman Tekri Ashram on Thursday, warning Sharma of a public boycott if he did not apologise for his remarks. Sharma quickly released a video stating he apologises because his words hurt the saint and his followers. Sant Premanand's ashram, Shri Radha Kelikunj, has been under scrutiny following the suicide of his disciple Rasik Dulari Sharan, also known as Deepak Lodhi, on September 25. Addressing the recent controversy, a spokesperson for Virat Kohli rejected the claims as entirely false and factually incorrect, adding that Kohli visits out of deep faith and devotion. Mahant Dashrath Das criticised Sharma during the sadhu meeting, noting that Sharma calls himself a phalhari yet lives as a householder, and stated that a defamation notice would also be sent on behalf of Kohli. Following the sadhus' warning and the backlash, Sharma backtracked completely, claiming he never spoke against the saint and offering an unconditional apology.

Context

Public figures and spiritual leaders in India often draw significant media attention, making unverified claims a frequent source of swift public controversy. When celebrities visit spiritual gurus, their interactions are closely watched by fans and reporters alike. Spokespersons for major public figures frequently issue formal statements to correct misinformation and protect personal reputations from baseless allegations.