Why 'aaj tak' is Trending: Premnand Maharaj Ashram Controversy Explained

The Surge in 'aaj tak' Searches

On 5 October 2026, search interest for the news outlet aaj tak spiked significantly in India. According to Google Trends data observed at 15:41 UTC, the term saw approximately 5,000 queries with a 100% growth rate within a 24-hour window. This surge is primarily attributed to the channel's reporting on a developing controversy surrounding the ashram of the revered saint Premnand Maharaj.

Premnand Maharaj's Relocation and the 'Saint Split'

The core of the trending news is the relocation of Premnand Maharaj from the Keli Kunj ashram to the Belvan ashram, located roughly 20 km away. As reported by Aaj Tak, this move follows the suspicious death of his disciple, Deepak Lodhi (also known as Rasik Dulari Sharan), who committed suicide on 25 September 2026.

Local religious leaders, including Dinesh Sharma Falahari, claim the move was necessitated by a divide between "genuine saints" and "impostors." These allegations suggest that fake saints have occupied approximately 15 ashrams to conduct illegal property dealings, causing Premnand Maharaj to seek refuge in Belvan for safety and spiritual peace.

Sensational Claims: Land Mafia and Virat Kohli

The controversy expanded with further allegations reported by ABP Live. Falahari Maharaj claimed in a letter that a Rajasthan-based company allegedly summoned cricketer Virat Kohli for ₹5 crore to promote Premnand Maharaj. Beyond this, the group has been accused of operating as a "land-mafia," involved in the illegal buying and selling of land in the Yamuna floodplain, as well as more severe unverified allegations involving kidnapping and kidney theft.

Missing Teenager Recovery and Safety Concerns

Adding to the public concern, a 16-year-old boy from Hathras was recovered in Barsana on 4 October 2026 after being missing for three months. His family had previously staged a protest outside the Keli Kunj ashram, claiming the boy had disappeared after going there for initiation. While police confirmed his recovery, the incident has intensified the debate over the management and safety of the ashram's environment.

Note: It is important to distinguish between reported claims and judicial facts. The allegations regarding the land-mafia, the ₹5 crore payment to Virat Kohli, and the activities of "fake saints" are assertions made by religious figures and have not been independently verified by police or court authorities as of 5 October 2026.