Kolkata: The West Bengal government has downgraded the security cover provided to former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, officials said on Wednesday.
The move comes as part of an ongoing review of security arrangements extended to politicians, public figures, and other prominent individuals in the state.
Ganguly, who previously enjoyed Z-category security, will now be provided Y-category protection. The former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president has not issued any official statement on the development.
According to officials, Z-category security entails the deployment of around 35 personnel and includes coordination with the state police command. Individuals covered under this category are also provided a pilot vehicle as part of their security detail. In contrast, Y-category security involves a much smaller team of three to four personnel, including two armed security officers assigned for close protection.
The decision is the latest in a series of security reviews undertaken by the state government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari since the change in administration following the assembly elections last month. Officials said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that enhanced security is provided only to those facing a genuine threat perception.
Soon after assuming office, CM Adhikari had reportedly conveyed that security resources should be allocated strictly based on assessed risk. Following this direction, authorities initiated a comprehensive review of individuals who had been receiving special protection under the previous government.
One of the first high-profile cases to be affected was that of Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The government had then stated that any additional security beyond what he was entitled to as a Member of Parliament would be withdrawn. Subsequently, the security cover of several TMC leaders, former ministers, and retired police officials was also revised after periodic assessments.
With the latest decision, Ganguly joins a growing list of prominent personalities whose security arrangements have been reassessed as part of the state’s broader effort to rationalise the deployment of security personnel.
(IANS)
