Senior social worker Vivek Kumar Pandey has demanded an unconditional apology from those making what he described as indecent and misleading remarks about Sant Premanand Ji Maharaj
Senior social worker Vivek Kumar Pandey, also known as Sono Pandey, has publicly defended Sant Premanand Ji Maharaj and demanded an unconditional apology over alleged misleading social media content.
Shahabad: Senior social worker Vivek Kumar Pandey, also known as Sono Pandey, has issued a strong public statement demanding an unconditional apology from individuals making what he described as indecent or misleading remarks about Sant Premanand Ji Maharaj.
Pandey criticised derogatory and misleading content allegedly being circulated on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. He alleged that some individuals were targeting the saint for personal gain and TRP.
Pandey called upon those spreading such content to correct their mistakes immediately and tender an unconditional apology to Premanand Ji Maharaj.
He also defended the saint's contribution to society and religious life, stating that Premanand Ji Maharaj continues his work despite severe chronic health problems and functioning without both kidneys. Pandey claimed that more than 80% of the youth inspired by the saint had left addictions and destructive paths.
Premanand Maharaj Controversy And Recent Developments
The latest statement comes amid renewed scrutiny surrounding the Vrindavan-based saint and institutions associated with him.
During October 2026, controversy intensified following local issues in Vrindavan, including property-related allegations raised by other religious figures and the death of disciple Deepak Lodhi. Representatives of the ashram have maintained that outside individuals also misuse the saint's name in connection with fraudulent activities.
Premanand Ji Maharaj had also faced significant social media criticism during 2025 over short video clips concerning modern relationships, youth and marital purity. He subsequently clarified that his remarks were intended as spiritual teachings concerning declining moral values and had been interpreted out of context.
Who Was Deepak Lodhi, The Disciple At The Centre Of The Controversy
Deepak Lodhi, who was also known by the monastic name Rasik Dulari Sharan, was at the centre of the recent controversy.
He was from Paraswada village in the Gaur area of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and was described as being deeply inclined towards spirituality. He later moved to Vrindavan and received spiritual initiation under the lineage associated with Premanand Ji Maharaj.
Deepak had reportedly been living with other co-disciples at the multi-storey Guru Kripa Kunj Ashram on Barah Ghat Road in Vrindavan.
What Happened At Guru Kripa Kunj Ashram?
On the morning of September 25, 2026, a distressing incident occurred at the ashram. According to the available account, Deepak fell from the rooftop of the fourth floor of the ashram building at around 10:30 am. Bystanders and local residents took him to Sarvoday Hospital, a private hospital in Mathura, where he was declared dead.
The post-mortem examination subsequently became a major point of controversy. The report reportedly recorded severe injuries, including lacerations and injuries to his private part, multiple fractures, hairline fractures of the skull, broken ankles and 14 stitches on his head.
During a search of his ashram room, police and forensic personnel reportedly recovered a blood-stained mechanical tile-cutting grinder and a personal diary.
CCTV Footage Adds To Questions Around Death
At least four sequential CCTV clips reportedly emerged during the investigation. One clip allegedly showed Deepak leaving his residential room while heavily bleeding and appearing to be in severe physical distress.
Another 33-second rooftop clip reportedly showed him walking up the stairs towards the fourth-floor terrace. The footage allegedly showed him pacing on the rooftop in an agitated and distressed condition.
In the final footage, Deepak was reportedly seen sitting near the edge of the terrace wall for around 11 seconds. At the same time, another disciple, identified as his roommate Yugal Nehi Sharan, was seen running towards the rooftop.
According to the available account, Yugal attempted to reach him before Deepak stood up and jumped from the terrace.
Police Probe Focuses On Self-Harm And Suicide
Mathura Police and the local Circle Officer have maintained that the available evidence points towards suicide preceded by severe self-harm.
Investigators have reportedly considered the possibility that Deepak was alone in his room when he injured himself with the mechanical grinder before moving towards the rooftop and jumping from the building.
Fingerprints from the grinder, blood samples and Deepak's phone have reportedly been sent for advanced forensic examination. The forensic process is intended to help investigators determine whether there was any external involvement or manipulation.
Family Rejects Suicide Narrative
Deepak's family from Jabalpur has rejected the suicide-only explanation and demanded a deeper investigation.
Family members have alleged that after Deepak received spiritual initiation, the ashram management isolated him and restricted his contact with his family. Family representatives and lawyers have reportedly staged protests demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe.
They have also questioned why a formal FIR against senior management was not immediately registered and have pointed to the nature of the injuries while seeking further investigation into the circumstances of his death.
These remain allegations made by the family and have not been established as facts by the investigation.
Religious Figures Raise Property And Land Allegations
The death has also triggered a wider dispute involving religious figures and competing claims surrounding the institutions connected with the saint.
Falahari Maharaj, president of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, has publicly alleged that corporate interests and a so-called land mafia have entered operational layers surrounding trusts associated with Premanand Ji Maharaj. He alleged that the saint's name was being misused for financial fraud and property-related activities.
Another religious figure, Pandokhar Sarkar, also known as Gurusharan Maharaj, has challenged aspects of the prevailing narrative and publicly urged Premanand Ji Maharaj to address the controversy and help establish the truth surrounding the disciple's death.
The allegations made by religious figures are part of the ongoing public dispute and remain subject to verification.
Ashram Response And Premanand Maharaj's Location
Representatives of the ashram have maintained that Sant Premanand Ji Maharaj has no direct involvement in the daily administrative, property or logistical affairs associated with individual seekers.
The representatives have also stated that the saint's activities are focused on spiritual matters and that his name is frequently used by outside parties for different purposes.
Amid the controversy and heightened media attention, reports also circulated that Premanand Ji Maharaj had left Vrindavan. Local religious figures subsequently clarified that he had temporarily adjusted his routine and moved across the Yamuna River to Belvan.
According to those accounts, the change was linked to his health, dialysis and the need for an undisturbed environment for spiritual practice.
The investigation into Deepak Lodhi's death remains central to the wider controversy, while Vivek Kumar Pandey's latest statement has added another public response from supporters of Premanand Ji Maharaj.
