Sachin Tendulkar denies having any economic interest in Mussoorie property dispute

Sachin Tendulkar has denied any wrongdoing in the Mussorie land property dispute involving his friend and alleged business partner Sanjay Narang, claiming that he was not having any economic ties with the businessman. Responding to reports that he was trying to use his immense popularity and influence as a member of the Rajya Sabha to get a decision in favour of Narang, Tendulkar said that he was merely trying to help his friend present his side of the story.

Tendulkar’s name was dragged into the property dispute of Dahlia Bank, a popular holiday resort located in the Landour cantonment area partly owned by Narang after he allegedly met Union Defence minister Manohar Parrikar to get clearance from the Defence Research Developmental Organisation (DRDO) which has put a stop to the construction work at the disputed property as it had breached the 50-foot, no-construction zone next to the Institute of Technology Management – a sensitive DRDO establishment.

Tendulkar denied the accusations stating that he had no business ties with Narang and that he didn’t use any illegal approach to get the dispute cleared.

"Mr. Sachin Tendulkar has no present business relationship with Mr. Sanjay Narang nor does he have any economic interest, whatsoever, in the Landour cantonment," a spokesperson for Tendulkar read out from a written statement.

Tendulkar though admitted that he has met an as-yet-unnamed official from the government to help Narang’s views heard as a friend.

"Mr. Tendulkar attended a meeting following which a formal written representation was submitted to the Ministry of Defence on a pending dispute regarding some development undertaken in Landour by Mr. Narang. Mr. Tendulkar has always maintained that the prevailing laws of the land should be upheld while giving a fair opportunity to all parties concerned to present their points of view," the statement added.

Narang also came out in support of Tendulkar issuing a statement through his spokesperson claiming that his relationship with the former cricketer was purely on a personal level and also added that he had not done anything wrong with regards to the construction work at the property.

“Dahlia Bank belongs entirely to Mr. Sanjay Narang and is his personal residence. Mr. Tendulkar is a personal friend with no existing business relationship and having no ownership of Dahlia Bank," a spokesperson for Narang said in a statement.

"The construction at Dahlia Bank has been carried out in accordance with the law and with permissions granted by the Cantonment Authorities. The construction is also beyond the prescribed distance of 50 meters from the DRDO establishment. In short, there is no illegality whatsoever.

“Mr Narang has been residing in Landour for over a decade and has set up several local community development projects as well as working for the betterment and progress of the local community. Allegations of illegal commercial activity against him are false and motivated,” the spokesperson further added.