Exclusive insights into MS Dhoni's decision to sue ex-business partners for fraud

MS Dhoni filed a complaint against his former business partners Mihir Diwakar and Soumya Das for defrauding him of Rs 16 crore after they didn't honour the deal of establishing cricket academies. Dhoni, Mihir and Soumya co-owned the Aarka Sports and Management Limited in Ranchi.

As per sources close to the legendary Indian cricketer, the criminal case against Mihir and Soumya has been filed on grounds of forgery. Mihir, who had reportedly signed a deal with Dhoni in 2017 to set up cricket academies in India and abroad in the cricketer's name, did not abide by the conditions mentioned in the agreement.

Mihir has denied the allegations. However, there are as many as five complaints and summons pending against him in Tamil Nadu. Citing poor health, he had skipped attending the court hearings. Shradha Global Educational Trust has also filed a written complaint against Mihir. He had signed on the dotted lines to make a deal official with the trust on behalf of Dhoni, without having any authority. A sum of Rs 35 lakh was extracted for a new school venture with logos and endorsement of the five-time Indian Premier League-winning captain.

The trust went on to file a complaint against Mihir after coming to know that he did not have any authority over logos and endorsement. Dhoni's friend and a close source has mentioned that Mihir's antics have maligned and hampered the reputation of the former India captain.

"He is issuing a statement but Mihir Diwakar should muster courage and come to Ranchi court to reply to the subject," the source was quoted as saying by India Today.

MS Dhoni filed a Criminal Case for offences under Sections 406, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the competent court at District Court Ranchi against 1. Aarka Sports Management Pvt Ltd. 2. Mihir Diwakar Director and 3.Soumya Das Director, Aarka Sports Management Pvt Ltd.

On August 15, 2021, Dhoni revoked the authority of Mihir. However, the latter went on to establish many cricket academies in India and abroad using the name of Dhoni. Mihir also took franchisee money for MS Dhoni Cricket Academy and MS Dhoni Sports Academy. The sports firm was obligated to share the franchise fee and profits in a specified ratio as per the agreement, however, the terms and conditions were breached.