Kolkata: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has approached Kolkata Police after receiving multiple threatening letters over several months, including recent threats against him and his wife, Dona Ganguly.
Police launch investigation into threatening letters
Former Indian cricket team captain and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly has complained to the police after allegedly receiving several threatening letters over the past six months. The communications reportedly included serious threats against Ganguly and his wife, Dona Ganguly, prompting Kolkata Police to begin an investigation.
According to a report by PTI, a written complaint was lodged at Thakurpukur Police Station in south Kolkata after two threatening letters were received at Ganguly’s office on Monday. A senior police officer said the letters contained explicit threats to kill Ganguly and his wife and also warned of harm to people close to them.
The police have said the complaint is being treated seriously. Investigators are examining the contents of the letters, their possible source and the courier trail in an attempt to identify the person responsible.
The development has raised concern around the former India captain, who remains an influential figure in Indian cricket and currently serves as the president of the CAB.
Threatening letters allegedly received for six months
Police officials said the threatening communications had allegedly been arriving in Ganguly’s name for around six months. However, the earlier letters were reportedly not considered serious enough to prompt immediate police action.
The situation changed after the latest communication, with two letters reportedly reaching Ganguly’s office on Monday. According to the complaint, the letters contained direct threats against Ganguly and Dona and also referred to potential harm to people associated with the former cricketer.
The police are now trying to determine whether all the letters were sent by the same individual. Establishing a pattern between the communications could help investigators understand whether the threats originated from a single source or involved multiple people.
A senior police officer said investigators were examining the letters and attempting to establish both the identity and motive of the sender.
Courier trail being examined
Preliminary findings reportedly indicate that the threatening letters may have been sent through a courier service. Police are examining the courier records to determine where the consignments originated and who was responsible for sending them.
According to the police, one possible lead points towards a person from Belgharia in North 24 Parganas district. Investigators are attempting to verify the lead and determine whether the individual has any connection with the threatening communications.
The police have also reportedly identified a mobile number that may have been used by the alleged sender. Investigators are examining the movement and usage of the SIM card associated with the number as part of their efforts to trace the person behind the threats.
Officials have also contacted the courier agency involved to collect details about the consignments. Such information could help investigators establish when the letters were booked, where they originated and how they reached Ganguly’s office.
Investigation focuses on identity and motive
The investigation is currently focused on identifying the sender and understanding the motive behind the alleged threats. Police are also examining whether the letters were deliberately sent over an extended period as part of a continuing pattern.
“We are taking the complaint seriously and have begun an investigation. We are examining the letters, their source, and the courier trail to identify the person responsible,” a police officer said, according to the report.
Investigators are expected to examine the language and contents of the letters for possible clues. The courier trail, mobile phone information and other available evidence could help establish the identity of the person responsible.
Police are also trying to determine whether the alleged threats are connected to Ganguly’s professional responsibilities, personal matters or any other issue. At this stage, no motive has been officially established.
Sourav Ganguly remains a major figure in Indian cricket
Ganguly is one of the most prominent figures in Indian cricket. As India’s captain, he played a significant role in shaping the team’s identity during the early 2000s and later served as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
He currently heads the CAB, an influential state cricket association based in Kolkata. His continued involvement in cricket administration means that he remains regularly connected with players, officials and other stakeholders in the sport.
The alleged threats have therefore prompted police attention, particularly because the communications reportedly extended beyond Ganguly himself to include his wife and people close to him.
For now, the police investigation remains underway. Officials are attempting to verify the source of the letters and determine whether the different communications were sent by the same person. No arrest has been reported at this stage.
Investigation underway
The alleged threats against Sourav Ganguly and Dona Ganguly have led to a formal police investigation in Kolkata. Investigators are examining the threatening letters, courier records and mobile phone details while working to establish the identity and motive of the alleged sender.
With the probe still at an early stage, authorities are expected to gather further evidence before drawing conclusions about who was behind the communications. Police have reiterated that the complaint is being taken seriously and that efforts are underway to trace the source of the threats.