Sourav Ganguly’s Security Cover Downgraded by Bengal Govt

Kolkata (IANS): The West Bengal government has downgraded the security cover of former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, officials announced on Wednesday. The move follows an ongoing review of security arrangements for politicians, public figures, and other prominent individuals in the state.

Ganguly, who previously held Z-category security, will now receive Y-category protection. The current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president and former BCCI chief has not issued an official statement regarding the change.

Under Z-category security, authorities deploy around 35 personnel and coordinate with the state police authorities, which includes providing a pilot vehicle. In contrast, Y-category security utilizes a smaller team of three to four personnel, including two armed close-protection officers.

This decision marks the latest in a series of security reviews by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s government, which assumed power after last month’s assembly elections. Officials stated the administration wants to ensure that enhanced security only goes to individuals facing a genuine threat.

Soon after taking office, CM Adhikari directed authorities to allocate security resources strictly based on assessed risk. Following this order, officials initiated a comprehensive review of individuals who received special protection under the previous government.

The new administration first affected the security of Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, stating it would withdraw any additional security beyond his entitlement as a Member of Parliament. Subsequently, periodic assessments led authorities to revise the security cover of several TMC leaders, former ministers, and retired police officials.

With this latest decision, Ganguly joins a growing list of prominent personalities whose security arrangements the state has reassessed to rationalize the deployment of personnel.