Miss Universe India controversy: Anushri Satavlekar claims pageant was planned, Nikhil Anand responds

The Miss Universe India 2026 pageant has come under scrutiny after runner-up Anushri Satavlekar resigned from her position and made allegations regarding the organisation’s internal practices. Satavlekar claimed that the crown was sold and that the outcome was planned, according to a NewsX Live report.

Nikhil Anand, national director of Miss India Universe and chairman of the Glam Anand Group, reportedly sought an explanation from Satavlekar regarding the allegations, NewsX live reported.

Why did Anushri Satavlekar give up the title of Miss Universe India?

Satavlekar had earlier announced that she was relinquishing her position as the second runner-up of Miss Universe India 2026. In her public statement, she said that the organization’s internal procedures and behavior conflicted with her personal ethics, morals and values.

Her subsequent allegations of selling the crown and the planned pageant drew attention to the controversy surrounding the pageant.

Nikhil Anand seeks clarification on the allegations

Nikhil Anand reportedly asked Satavlekar to clarify the allegations, according to NewsX Live.

Anand is the National Director of Miss India Universe and Chairman of the Glam Anand Group. The supplied report does not provide further details about his reply or the explanation he sought from Satavlekar.

The allegations put the competition’s selection process and organizational procedures under scrutiny. However, the claims remain allegations and have not been independently established in the available information.