"Number is from Kolkata, police will do the needful": Sourav Ganguly after receiving death threats
Kolkata, August 14
Former India cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly on Friday broke his silence on the alleged death threats received by him and his family over the past six months, expressing confidence that the authorities will take necessary action.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of a store at Acropolis Mall in Kolkata, Ganguly said the threatening messages had been brought to the attention of the police.
"We have reported it to the police. I am sure the police will sort it out. The number is from here (Kolkata). Hopefully, the police will do the needful. I have security," Ganguly, the former BCCI President, told reporters.
Recently, a formal complaint was lodged at the Thakurpukur Police Station in kolkata.
According to the police complaint, Ganguly and his family have reportedly been receiving threatening letters for around six months. The matter was taken more seriously earlier this week after two letters allegedly used words such as "eliminate" and "finish".
The family had initially viewed the messages as notes from overzealous fans, but the repeated threats and increasingly aggressive language prompted them to approach the police.
Ganguly, one of India's most celebrated cricketers and captains, was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame last month in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
The former left-handed batter represented India in 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, scoring 18,575 international runs across formats. He scored 7,212 runs in Tests at an average of 42.17, including 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries, while his ODI tally stood at 11,363 runs at an average of 41.02, with 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries.
As captain, Ganguly played a key role in shaping a competitive Indian team in the early 2000s. He led India to the 2003 ODI World Cup final and also guided the side to a historic Test series victory in Pakistan in 2004.
Ganguly's memorable international career also included his famous shirt-waving celebration at Lord's after India defeated England in the 2002 NatWest Trophy final.
The 54-year-old last played international cricket in 2008 and continued to feature in the IPL until 2012 before retiring from domestic cricket. He is currently serving as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
— ANI
Reader Comments
The man who made us believe in Indian cricket, who taught us to dream big, is facing such threats. Shame on those cowards who hide behind anonymous letters. Dada, stay safe! ❤️
Police should trace the number immediately. In today's digital age, it's not that hard to find who's behind this. Also, why wait for six months? Hope the Thakurpukur station does a thorough job this time.
Dada has always handled pressure with grace, whether on the field or off it. But this is serious - threatening letters with words like "eliminate" are no joke. The authorities must act swiftly. We're with you, Dada!
The number is from Kolkata - that's convenient for the police to track. It's probably some frustrated fan or attention-seeker, but still, safety comes first. Ganguly is a national icon; this sends a wrong message to society if not handled properly.
Really sad to see a cricketing great have to deal with such threats. His contributions to Indian cricket are unmatched - from the Lord's balcony moment to the 2003 World Cup run. Hope Kolkata Police does the needful, as he rightly said.
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