January 31, 2025: The founder of Kinnar Akhara, Rishi Ajay Das, has announced the expulsion of former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni and Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhara, citing allegations of treason and violations of religious traditions.

In a press statement released on Friday, Rishi Ajay Das accused Tripathi of appointing Mamta Kulkarni as Mahamandaleshwar without his consent. He stated that Tripathi had repeatedly failed to fulfill his responsibilities towards the religious propagation and upliftment of the Kinnar community.

According to Rishi Das, the appointment of Mamta Kulkarni bypassed the traditional rituals of renunciation and religious initiation, making the move unconstitutional and against the principles of Sanatana Dharma. "Due to this, I am reluctantly compelled to relieve her from the post in the interest of the country, Sanatana Dharma, and society," he declared.

Additionally, Rishi Das alleged that Tripathi had made unauthorized deals with the Juna Akhara during the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, allowing individuals to join the Akhara without following the necessary rituals. He claimed that such actions were misleading followers of Sanatana Dharma and betraying the faith of the community.

"This deception of Dharma and society could not be ignored, and therefore, I felt it was necessary to bring this information to the public in the interest of religion and the people," he said.

The decision marks a major shake-up in the Kinnar Akhara, raising questions about internal conflicts and the governance of religious institutions.