Kinnar Akhada Expels Mamta Kulkarni and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi Over Leadership Dispute

The decision by Rishi Ajay Das, claiming to be the Akhada's founder, has fueled a legal and ideological battle within the religious organization.

Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni was expelled from the Kinnar Akhada after her controversial appointment as Mahamandaleshwar on January 24, 2025.
Rishi Ajay Das, who claims to be the founder of the Akhada, also removed Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, accusing her of deviating from her responsibilities and violating Akhada traditions.
Das cited Kulkarni's alleged past involvement in criminal activities as a key reason for her removal, questioning her suitability for the spiritual role.
Tripathi has rejected Das's authority, stating that only her board can remove her, and announced plans for legal action against him.
The expulsions have divided the spiritual community, with some leaders supporting Tripathi and Kulkarni, while others question the legitimacy of their appointments.