In a recent development, two former business associates of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, Mihir Diwakar and his wife Soumya Das, have filed a defamation case against the cricketer in the Delhi High Court, as reported by PTI on Tuesday.
Previously, Dhoni had filed a criminal case against both Diwakar and Das, accusing them of defrauding him of over ₹15 crore. Now, the duo seeks a permanent injunction and damages against Dhoni, various social media platforms, and media outlets. Their plea urges the court to restrain Dhoni from making allegedly false and damaging statements, and it is scheduled for a hearing on January 18 before Justice Prathiba M Singh.
The defamation case revolves around Dhoni's claims of purported illegal gains amounting to ₹15 crores and a breach of a 2017 contract. The accused, directors of 'Aarka Sports,' a sports management company, had initially approached Dhoni to establish cricket academies, as per a 2017 agreement. However, Dhoni alleges that they violated the terms by setting up academies without informing him and failing to make agreed-upon payments.
Despite legal notices, the accused continued their activities, prompting Dhoni to file a criminal case on October 27, 2023, under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code. Simant Lohani, authorized by Dhoni, recently recorded his statement before a first-class judicial magistrate court.
This legal saga unfolds against the backdrop of a once amicable relationship, as the couple, particularly Diwakar, shared a friendship with Dhoni, having even played in the Ranji Trophy alongside the former Indian cricket captain. As the courtroom drama ensues, cricket enthusiasts await the outcome of this intricate legal battle involving one of India's most celebrated sports personalities.
