Cordon for MS Dhoni's residence, farmhouse in Ranchi after threats

RANCHI: Police on Saturday intensified security around former Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s residence and farmhouse in Ranchi following a barrage of criticism and threats, including some against his family, on social media after his IPL team Chennai Super Kings lost to Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday.
SP (rural) Naushad Alam said security measures at Dhoni’s old house on Harmu Road and his farmhouse in Simalia under Ratu police station were reviewed soon after he was informed about the threats. “A unit of ten policemen was stationed near the farmhouse earlier and we have now deployed some more cops in plain clothes to keep a vigil on activities outside the house,” he said.
The police team has been directed to thwart all unnecessary movement near the residence and remain cautious about any suspicious activity. “We have intensified patrolling in the area and PCR vans have been directed to remain on alert,” he said.
Meanwhile, sports fraternity in Ranchi expressed and concern over the “disgraceful comments” flooding social media websites. Chanchal Bhattacharya, one of Dhoni’s coaches in his childhood, said while fans have every right to appreciate and criticise their sports icons, no one should cross the line of decency. “People using social media to target family members of cricketers must not be allowed to let go. This is not simple criticism or harmless trolling, but a crime. Law enforcement agencies should arrest the culprits,” he said.
“Sportspersons, particularly cricketers, will participate in a protest march at Albert Ekka Chowk to demand arrest of the culprits,” Bhattacharya said. Ranji players from Jharkhand S P Gautam and Ajatshatru also condemned the posts and said they have decided to lodge a protest and demand the arrest of the perpetrators.
Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) member Ajay Shahdeo also expressed shock. “This (the comments) is disgraceful and cannot be ignored like a comment from a crazy fan,” he said.
The concern of police and Dhoni’s family members is justified, considering the past incidents when Dhoni has been targeted by antisocial elements. On March 18, 2007, some people vandalised his then under-construction house at Harmu Road after India lost to Bangladesh in the World Cup.
His house was again targeted on October 23, 2013, when an ODI against Australia in Ranchi was washed out due to rain. The window panes of his house was damaged in stone-pelting, but no one was arrested. In another incident, CCTV cameras installed at the house were stolen by thieves in 2010.