MS Dhoni issued notice by Jharkhand Housing Board over misuse of residential plot

The Jharkhand State Housing Board has served a notice to former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni over the alleged misuse of a residential plot located in Ranchi, an official confirmed on Friday.

As stated in the notice, the plot that had been allotted to India’s World Cup–winning skipper was meant strictly for residential purposes. However, authorities claim that the property is allegedly being utilized for commercial activities, which constitutes a violation of the terms under which the land was granted.

Jharkhand Housing Board Chairman Sanjay Lal Paswan told Aaj Tak over the phone that the Housing Board had actually allotted the land for residential purposes to several people. However, when reports surfaced that the land was being used for commercial purposes, notices were sent not only to Dhoni but also to several officials and dozens of others, asking why the land was being used commercially.

Paswan further explained that



the alleged “violation of norms and regulations” came to light during the course of an inquiry conducted by the board. Following the findings of that inquiry, a final notice was issued to Dhoni seeking an explanation regarding the reported misuse of the property.

The official added that if there is a failure to comply with the notice or provide a satisfactory response, the board may initiate proceedings to cancel the allotment of the plot. Such action, he indicated, would be taken in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulations governing residential land use.

Dhoni, who presently lives in his newly constructed residence situated on Ring Road in Ranchi, had earlier resided at the property on Harmu Road that is now under scrutiny. The controversy arose after allegations surfaced claiming that a diagnostic facility was being operated from the Harmu Road premises, leading the Housing Board to begin a formal probe into the matter.