Fri Jan 31 11:47:59 UTC 2025: ## Kinnar Akhada Founder Ousts Bollywood Actress and Top Official Amidst Controversy
**Haridwar, India –** The Kinnar Akhada, a significant Hindu monastic order for the transgender community, is embroiled in a major scandal following the expulsion of its founder, Rishi Ajay Das, of both Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni.
The controversy centers around Tripathi’s appointment of Kulkarni as a Mahamandaleshwar (a high-ranking spiritual leader) without Das’s consent. Das, in a press release issued January 30th, 2025, cited Tripathi’s alleged breach of trust and unauthorized agreements with the Juna Akhada in 2019, as reasons for his dismissal. He further condemned Kulkarni’s appointment, citing her criminal history as ethically unacceptable and damaging to the Akhada’s reputation. Das stated that Kulkarni’s past involvement in drug-related cases makes her unsuitable for such a prestigious spiritual role.
The expulsion has sparked a fierce backlash. Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, has challenged Das’s authority, questioning his right to remove Tripathi. Puri further asserted that both Tripathi and Kulkarni will retain their positions and participate in upcoming religious ceremonies.
The controversy surrounding Kulkarni’s appointment began at the Maha Kumbh, where Tripathi publicly announced the decision. Concerns were previously raised by transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa, who highlighted Kulkarni’s past criminal record and questioned the legitimacy of the appointment, suggesting it was a publicity stunt.
The dispute highlights a deep division within the Hindu spiritual community and raises serious questions about accountability and ethical standards within religious organizations. The future of the Kinnar Akhada and the roles of Tripathi and Kulkarni remain uncertain as the controversy unfolds.
First Piper 