Suvendu govt withdraws Sourav Ganguly's Z-category security; Ex-skipper to get Y-level protection

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has had his security cover downgraded by the West Bengal government, with his protection reduced from Z-category to Y-category. Sources indicated that the current president of the Cricket Association of Bengal will no longer receive the higher level of security that had been in place in recent years. Ganguly declined to comment on the development.

Until May 2023, Ganguly was receiving Y-category security, under which three officers from the Kolkata Police Special Branch were assigned to his protection along with security personnel at his residence. In May 2023, the then state government upgraded his protection to Z-category status, resulting in the deployment of additional personnel and enhanced residential security arrangements.

At the time of the upgrade, Z-plus security was being provided to the Chief Minister, the Governor and Abhishek Banerjee, while former minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim was under Z-category protection. Police sources said that although Ganguly formally retained Z-category security in subsequent years, the size of his security deployment had already been reduced before the latest decision officially downgraded his status.

Under standard security protocols, Z-category protection generally involves around 35 personnel, including state police commandos, and may include a pilot vehicle escort. Y-category security is typically provided by three to four personnel, including armed security officers. The latest decision means Ganguly will now receive protection at the lower category level.

Following the change in government in West Bengal, authorities began reviewing security arrangements for politicians, former officials and public figures. After assuming office as Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari reportedly stated that individuals without a genuine security threat would not receive unnecessary protection. Security cover for several political leaders, former police officials and public figures has since been reassessed, with Ganguly now among those whose security arrangements have been scaled back.