Kohli spokesperson denies Rs 5 crore ashram payment claim

Virat Kohli’s spokesperson has denied an allegation that the cricketer was paid Rs 5 crore to visit spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj’s ashram, saying Kohli’s visits are motivated by faith and reverence. The claim, made by Dinesh Sharma, remains unverified: the supplied reports say no publicly available payment record, contract or other evidence has established that money changed hands. Sharma, also known as Falahari Maharaj, alleged that Rs 5 crore was paid to bring Kohli to the ashram in Vrindavan, reportedly to increase the spiritual leader’s profile. The reports do not establish that the alleged payment occurred. They also do not provide independent financial documentation supporting Sharma’s account. In a statement, Kohli’s spokesperson rejected the allegation as false and said Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj out of faith and respect. The spokesperson also urged media organizations to verify claims before reporting or amplifying them. The statement gives Kohli’s stated reason for visiting, but does not independently resolve whether any payment was made. Kohli and his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, have visited the ashram on multiple occasions.