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.
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At the same time, similar accusations regarding the alleged use of residential plots for non-residential or commercial purposes have emerged in relation to the state office of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is also located on Harmu Road. The board had previously issued notices in connection with that case as well.
Officials stated that investigations into both matters are currently ongoing, and further steps will be determined based on the outcome of these inquiries. They emphasized that appropriate action will be taken depending on the conclusions drawn from the findings.
Dhoni could not be contacted for his response at the time of reporting. On the cricketing front, Dhoni will be next seen playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026).
