Sourav Ganguly says phone number linked to death threats is from Kolkata after reporting matter to police

Sourav Ganguly on Friday said he and his wife had received death threats, that he has reported the matter to the police and that the phone number linked to the threats was from Kolkata. "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 told reporters.

Ganguly, a former India captain and the current president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), made the remarks days after his office received two letters containing threats against him, his wife and people close to them. The former BCCI president's office lodged a complaint at the Thakurpukur Police Station in south Kolkata following the latest correspondence. He said he had faith in the police to take the necessary action.

Kolkata Police told investigators that threatening letters had allegedly been sent in Ganguly's name for around six months and that earlier communications were not initially taken seriously. The latest letters contained explicit threats, which prompted his office to approach the authorities. Police statements indicated the escalation in tone led to formal reporting.

Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the sender and establish the motive behind the threats. Investigators are examining the contents of the letters and tracing the courier trail connected to the deliveries. They are also probing a mobile number that has been allegedly linked to the sender.

Preliminary findings pointed to the possibility that the letters were sent through a courier service by a person from Belgharia in North 24 Parganas district. Police said they were examining the movement of the SIM card allegedly used by the sender. Investigators have contacted the courier agency for further details about the consignments.

Kolkata Police are attempting to determine whether the letters received over the past few months were all sent by the same individual. Ganguly has sought to play down concerns over his personal safety by noting the security cover available to him.

The investigation remains underway as police continue efforts to trace the source of the communications and determine who was behind the threats.