Threats prompt police investigation
Sourav Ganguly, former captain of the Indian cricket team and current president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), along with his wife Dona Ganguly, have reportedly received multiple death threats. These threats have led to a police investigation in Kolkata, with authorities examining the communications and working to identify the sender.
According to a senior officer, Ganguly lodged a written complaint at Thakurpukur Police Station in south Kolkata. This action followed the receipt of the latest threatening letter at his office on Monday. The police have initiated a probe to determine the origin and motive behind these communications.
The Kolkata Police STF and the directorate of security have also commenced an investigation into the matter. Reports indicate that the STF has identified a location approximately 32 kilometres from the Gangulys’ Behala residence, believed to be the source of some of the threat letters. Raids were reportedly underway at this site.
Details of the threatening letters
The threatening letters have been arriving for several months, with some reports indicating a period of around six months. Initially, these communications were not taken seriously, with family sources suggesting they were dismissed as notes from overzealous fans. However, the escalating nature and aggressive language of the recent letters prompted the family to seek police intervention.
On Monday, Ganguly’s office received two letters that contained explicit threats to eliminate him and his wife, and to harm individuals close to him. These details were included in the police complaint filed by the former cricketer’s manager. The letters were reportedly written entirely in English and explicitly threatened to ‘eliminate’ or ‘finish’ the cricketer and his family.
The FIR, filed by Sourav’s personal secretary Taniya Bhattacharya at Thakurpukur PS, mentioned that regular letters containing serious threats to Sourav, his family, and staff have been received over the past four months. While previous letters were ignored, the most recent two explicitly stated the sender’s intention to ‘eliminate’ Ganguly and asserted that nothing could prevent it.
Security concerns and ongoing investigation
The repeated nature of the threats and their aggressive tone have raised significant concerns regarding the security of the high-profile family in Kolkata. The state government’s security department has been alerted and requested to take immediate action. Given Ganguly’s public profile, the security department is reviewing the threat and assessing the need for additional security measures.
Investigators are currently examining the contents of the letters and working to establish the identity and motive of the sender. Preliminary investigations suggest that some letters were sent via courier to the Ganguly residence. The sender’s name on one of the packets was listed as Arun Kumar, a resident of Belgharia. Police have also traced a phone number mentioned in one of the letters, which a ‘Truecaller’ search reportedly linked to the same name.
Authorities are now investigating whether the individual named Arun Kumar is indeed the sender of the letters, or if someone is using his identity to target the former India skipper. Police officials have assured Ganguly’s PA that an investigation has begun and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Mr. Ganguly and his family.
The police continue their efforts to identify the person responsible for sending these threatening letters and to ensure the safety and security of Sourav Ganguly, Dona Ganguly, and their staff.
Source: m.rediff.com
