The West Bengal government has made major changes in the security arrangements of former Indian cricket captain and former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. The state government has decided to withdraw its Z-category protection. The decision follows new risk assessments and security reviews carried out by state security agencies According to media reportsGanguly has been given high-level Z-class security for the past few days. Under this arrangement, a large number of security guards were deployed at his home and during his visits. But a new assessment shows that he currently does not need such a high level of protection.
In 2023, Sourav Ganguly’s security was upgraded from Class Y to Class Z. Additional police were deployed to beef up his security at the time. While he had Y-class protectionHe was then accompanied by a few policemen from the Special Branch and also had security guards at his residence in Behala. After receiving Z-class protection, a special team of 8 to 10 policemen was formed for him. He was accompanied by armed security guards wherever he went within the state and special security arrangements were made at his home as well.
The change in security category does not mean that Ganguly will be completely unprotected. He will get police security if needed. But extensive VIP protection is available under Z categoryDeploying additional security guards at homes and facilities like Personal Security Officers or PSOs will now be reduced. He will henceforth enjoy only newly designated Class Y protection.
According to media reports, state government officials have clarified that the move is not aimed at any specific person. In fact, West Bengal is currently undergoing a comprehensive review of the VIP security system and as part of that process many security systems have been revamped. According to GovtThe level of protection should be determined solely on the basis of an individual’s current constitutional responsibilities, official position, and potential danger to him or her. Since Sourav Ganguly does not currently hold any official or constitutional post and the latest assessment does not show any significant risk to him, it has been decided to withdraw his Z-class protection.