The Jharkhand State Housing Board has initiated an investigation into former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni’s residence on Harmu Road in Ranchi. The inquiry centers on allegations that Dhoni is utilizing the residential plot for commercial purposes, which would violate the board’s regulations.
The plot, measuring approximately 10,000 square feet, was allocated to Dhoni by the Jharkhand government during Arjun Munda’s tenure as Chief Minister, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to cricket. Dhoni constructed a luxurious home on this land but later relocated to a farmhouse in Simaliya, on the outskirts of Ranchi, to maintain privacy.
Recent reports suggest that a diagnostic center has been established at the Harmu Road property. A signboard indicating the presence of a pathology center was reportedly installed but later concealed with a green cloth, raising suspicions about the property’s use. In response, the Housing Board has launched an investigation to determine whether the residential plot is being used for commercial activities, which is prohibited under its regulations. Board Chairman Sanjay Lal Paswan emphasized that any deviation from the designated residential use constitutes a violation of the rules.
This is not the first time Dhoni’s Harmu Road property has come under scrutiny. In 2015, the Housing Board raised concerns about an additional adjacent plot allegedly acquired illegally. That issue was eventually resolved, but the current allegations have reignited discussions about the property’s usage.
The Housing Board has previously issued notices to approximately 300 property owners for similar violations, including the conversion of residential plots into commercial establishments. Even the state BJP office in the same locality has faced notices for such infractions. Officials have been directed to cancel allotments if unauthorized activities are confirmed.
As the investigation progresses, the Housing Board will determine the appropriate course of action based on the findings. If the allegations against Dhoni are substantiated, he may face legal consequences, including the potential revocation of the property’s allotment.