Former Indian captain to land in legal trouble over alleged residential land dispute

Former legendary Indian batsman and World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni has landed in a soup after he was found to have been involved in a land-related dispute in his hometown in Ranchi. The plot of land in question is Dhoni’s Harmu Road residence gifted to him by the Jharkhand government during Arjun Munda's tenure as Chief Minister.

It's been believed that Dhoni has violated the norms set by the residential plot regulations by transforming his residential plot for commercial purposes. To probe the allegations against his property, the Jharkhand State Housing Board sprung into action to investigate the matter further.

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More about Dhoni's disputed property

The currently disputed Harmu Road residence is situated in Ranchi’s upscale Harmu Housing Colony. The plot has a surface area of approximately 10,000 square feet and was gifted to the Indian legend as a reward for his achievement in the field of sports. Soon after, a lavish residence was built at the site and the family was in brief possession of the property before leaving for a farmhouse in Simaliya on the city’s outskirts to ensure privacy.

But in recent times, speculations have been rife about a possible diagnostic center being planned at the Harmu Road property, compelling the Housing authorities to launch a formal probe. Furthermore, a signboard of the pathology center was also erected outside the residence but was later concealed with a green cloth. 

Subsequently, an investigation was launched to ascertain whether Dhoni had indeed committed a violation by conducting commercial activities on a residential land. Sanjay Lal Paswan, the Housing Board Chairman has issued a clarification stating that any deviation from the intended use of residential plots constitutes a violation of the rules.

"We have received complaints and instructed officials to investigate. If the allegations are proven, a notice will be issued to Dhoni." 

Not the first time Dhoni's property has come under scrutiny

Prior to this recent controversy, Dhoni's Harmu property has hardly evaded the wrath of the housing officials. In 2015, the board highlighted the presence of an illegal plot that was acquired adjacent to his plot. Although the controversy was long over, the recent allegations have once again sparked concerns about the property's usage. 

The Housing Board has notably initiated comparable measures against around 300 additional property owners for the conversion of residential plots into commercial properties. Furthermore, the state BJP office located in the same area has also received notices for analogous infractions. Authorities have been instructed to revoke allotments should any unauthorized activities be verified.