The West Bengal government has reduced the security cover of former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly. After enjoying Z-category security for nearly three years, Ganguly’s protection has now been downgraded to the Y category.
The move comes amid a broader review of security arrangements for political leaders, former officials and prominent personalities following the change of government in the state. The administration has indicated that enhanced security will be provided only where a genuine threat assessment justifies it.
From Y to Z and Back Again
Until May 2023, Ganguly was under Y-category security cover. At the time, three personnel from the Kolkata Police Special Branch were assigned to his personal security, including two armed officers. Additional police personnel were deployed at his residence.
In May 2023, the Mamata Banerjee government upgraded Ganguly’s security to the Z category. Following the upgrade, the number of personal security officers assigned to him increased to between eight and ten. The deployment at his residence was also expanded.
Whenever Ganguly travelled, a police pilot vehicle escorted his convoy. Altogether, between 30 and 35 personnel were involved in his security arrangements.
With the latest decision, those arrangements have been scaled back, restoring him to Y-category protection.
Security Review After Political Transition
Since the change in government, the administration has undertaken a review of security cover provided to several political figures and prominent individuals.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has publicly stated that additional security would not be continued for anyone unless there was a genuine requirement based on threat perception.
Under the previous Trinamool Congress government, the highest level of state security — Z Plus category — was provided to three individuals: the Governor, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen also received comparable protection while staying in the state following the controversy surrounding land owned by Pratichi Trust.
Like Ganguly, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim was among those receiving Z-category security.
Security Cuts Begin After Election Results
Following the declaration of election results on May 4, the state government began reducing security arrangements for several individuals who had previously enjoyed extensive protection.
Police personnel stationed outside Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence and the two residences of Abhishek Banerjee were withdrawn. Officials stated that Mamata Banerjee would continue to receive only the security to which she was entitled as a former chief minister.
Similarly, Abhishek Banerjee’s Z Plus security cover was withdrawn, with the government maintaining that he would receive protection appropriate to his status as a Member of Parliament.
Subsequently, security arrangements for several Trinamool Congress leaders and former police officials were also reduced. Sourav Ganguly has now become the latest high-profile name to be added to that list.
