Pictures by Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency.
Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Instead of the 'Z-Category', Sourav Ganguly will henceforth receive 'Y-Category' security cover. Following the political transition in the state, Sourav Ganguly's security arrangements have been curtailed. The security detail for the former Indian captain has been scaled back. Since the change of regime in the state, the security cover of numerous political leaders and Members of Parliament (MPs) has faced cuts. Now, the security of Sourav Ganguly—former captain of the Indian cricket team and President of the CAB—has been reduced.
Until now, Sourav had been receiving 'Z-Category' security. This has now been downgraded by two levels. From this point forward, Sourav will be provided with 'Y-Category' security. What is the difference between these two security tiers? Under 'Z-Category' protection, a team of at least 35 personnel is responsible for security duties. This team includes commandos from the State Police. Additionally, the State Government's 'Z-Category' protocol includes the provision of a pilot car.
It has been reported that, until recently, a team of 8 to 10 police personnel was assigned to Sourav's security detail. Until mid-2023, the former national cricketer received 'Y-Category' security. At that time, three personnel from the Special Branch of the Kolkata Police were deployed for his protection. Police personnel were also stationed at Sourav's residence to provide security cover. However, in May 2023, the then Trinamool Congress government upgraded his security status to the 'Z-Category'. That arrangement had remained in force until now.
Now, having downgraded it by two levels, the BJP government—led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari—has reverted his security status to the 'Y-Category'. Typically, 'Y-Category' security entails a team of 3 to 4 personnel responsible for protection duties. This team includes two armed security guards. Following the change of government in the state, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had made it clear that no political leader would be provided with security cover exceeding their actual requirements. Furthermore, a review was conducted to identify individuals other than politicians who were receiving state-provided security. Following the political transition, the security cover of Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee was also reduced; instead of 'Z-Plus' category protection, he was allocated the standard security detail entitled to a Member of Parliament. Subsequently, however, following an incident where he faced public outrage in Sonarpur, his security cover was upgraded to 'X-category'. Concurrently, the security of ten Trinamool leaders—including the party's Rajya Sabha MP, Rajib Kumar—was scaled down. Now, Sourav Ganguly's security has also been reduced.