Mahendra Singh Dhoni Files Criminal Case Against Former Business Partner for Rs 15 Crore Fraud

In a significant turn of events, former captain of Team India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has filed a criminal case against his former business partner, Mihir Diwakar alleging fraud amounting to over Rs 15 crore. 

The legal action has been taken against Arka Sports and Management Limited, co-owned by Mihir Diwakar and Soumya Vishwas, in the Ranchi District Court.

Image Credit - The Federal News

The case revolves around a 2017 agreement between Dhoni and Arka Sports, where the latter, along with Soumya Vishwas, proposed to open cricket academies in several major cities worldwide. 

According to the deal, Mihir Diwakar was supposed to pay franchise fees and share profits as per the agreed terms. However, Dhoni claims that the conditions were not adhered to, leading him to take authority back from Arka Sports on August 15, 2021.

Dhoni had sent legal notices to Arka Sports seeking payment, but receiving no response, he decided to escalate the matter. The criminal case alleges financial irregularities causing Dhoni a loss exceeding Rs 15 crore. 

Mihir Diwakar, the managing director of Arka Sports, is accused of breaching the terms of the agreement and withholding information about the profits generated by the academy.

The controversy arises from Dhoni's claim that Arka Sports misused his name and failed to promote the academy and related sports activities as agreed upon in the franchise deal. 

It is emphasized that the misuse of Dhoni's name has caused not only financial harm but also damaged his reputation.

In response to these allegations, Mihir Diwakar argues that Dhoni's limited involvement in the academy was due to his international cricket commitments, leading to deviations from the agreed terms.

The case has shed light on the intricate details of the business partnership, exposing the challenges faced by sports celebrities in dealing with former associates. 

This development follows a trend in the sports world, where cricketers like Umesh Yadav and Rishabh Pant have previously accused their acquaintances of financial fraud.

The Ranchi District Court has scheduled the next hearing for January 20, 2024, where further testimonies and evidence will be presented. 

The legal battle between Dhoni and his former business partners continues to unfold, revealing the complexities and potential pitfalls in sports-related business ventures.