Legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni has found himself amidst controversy in his hometown, Ranchi, over alleged misuse of his Harmu Road property. The Jharkhand State Housing Board is investigating claims that the plot, allocated as a residential property, is being used for commercial purposes.
The 10,000-square-foot plot in Ranchi’s upscale Harmu Housing Colony was awarded to Dhoni by the Jharkhand government during former Chief Minister Arjun Munda’s tenure, in recognition of his cricketing achievements. A luxurious residence was built on the property, where Dhoni and his family lived before relocating to a farmhouse in Simaliya on the city’s outskirts for greater privacy.
The controversy arose following reports of plans for a diagnostic centre on the Harmu property. Allegedly, a signboard for the centre was briefly displayed before being covered with a green cloth, prompting the Housing Board to initiate a formal investigation. According to the board’s regulations, commercial activities on residential plots are strictly prohibited.
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Housing Board Chairman Sanjay Lal Paswan addressed the matter, stating, “We have received complaints and instructed officials to investigate. If the allegations are proven, a notice will be issued to Dhoni.” The probe aims to confirm whether the land is being used in compliance with the board’s rules, as any deviation would constitute a violation.
Housing board to probe allegations of commercial activity at MS Dhoni’s Ranchi househttps://t.co/UtmanJlFIk
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This is not the first time MS Dhoni’s Harmu property has come under scrutiny. In 2015, the Housing Board investigated claims of an illegally acquired adjacent plot, although the issue was eventually resolved. However, the current allegations have reignited concerns about the property’s usage.
Interestingly, the Housing Board has taken similar actions against other property owners in the locality, issuing notices to around 300 individuals for converting residential plots into commercial spaces. Even the state BJP office in Harmu Housing Colony has faced scrutiny for similar violations.
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Sanjay Lal Paswan has directed officials to cancel allotments if unauthorized activities are confirmed, underscoring the board’s commitment to enforcing regulations. For Dhoni, a figure synonymous with discipline and leadership, the controversy casts an unusual spotlight on his off-field affairs. Whether these allegations hold merit remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly sparked interest in Ranchi’s property regulations.
