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In a shocking development, the West Bengal government has taken a bold step regarding the security of former India captain Sourav Ganguly. The former BCCI president, who has enjoyed high-level security for the last few years, will now see a reduction in the security provided to him following the fresh review by West Bengal’s security agencies.
The development comes after the newly formed West Bengal government led by BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari conducted a detailed reassessment of the security arrangements provided to several VIPs in the state.
During the review, officials analyzed the latest threat perception reports and decided that Ganguly no longer required the same level of security he was receiving.
Sourav Ganguly’s security cover reduced from high-level ‘Z’ category
In 2023, Sourav Ganguly’s security cover was increased from “Y” category to the more comprehensive “Z” category. At that time this decision was taken by the authorities after administrative review. As part of the upgrade, the former BCCI president got a much larger security team.
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Under the “Z” category arrangement, around 8 to 10 police personnel were assigned to protect Ganguly. Security officials were deployed at his residence in Behala, Kolkata, while armed escorts accompanied him whenever he traveled within the state.
This arrangement ensured round-the-clock security and placed the great Indian cricketer among the prominent personalities receiving the highest level of security in West Bengal.
Before that upgrade, Sourav Ganguly was protected under the “Y” category. Under this system, three Special Branch police personnel were assigned to protect him, while another group of officers were deployed outside his residence. Compared to the “Z” class, the security presence was much lower.
Sourav Ganguly gets ‘Y’ category security back after fresh review
Now, after the latest assessment, the current West Bengal government has decided to withdraw the enhanced “Z” category cover and give back “Y” category security to Sourav Ganguly. However, the veteran will continue to get police protection, but it will be as per the revised threat assessment prepared by the state security branch, NDTV reported.
Officials have reportedly made it clear that this decision should not be seen as an action specifically directed at Ganguly. Instead, it is part of a broader exercise being conducted across the state to review the VIP security arrangements. Its purpose is to ensure that security deployment matches an individual’s current role, responsibilities, and threat perception.
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West Bengal government clarified on security cuts
According to the latest review, Ganguly’s current status does not require continued “Z” category security. Since he is not currently holding any constitutional post or any major official position, officials felt that he did not require such a high level of security.
However, Ganguly remains one of the most respected and influential personalities in Indian cricket and will continue to receive “Y” category security from the government. He currently serves as the President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).