Former India cricket captain and ex-Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly and his wife Dona Ganguly have filed a formal police complaint after receiving letters threatening to 'eliminate' them and their family members, it emerged on Monday, 10 August. The complaint was lodged at Thakurpukur Police Station in Kolkata by Ganguly's personal assistant after a threatening letter was opened at the office of the Bengal cricket president.

Nature of the Threats

The letter, written in English, contained explicit threats against the lives of both Sourav Ganguly and Dona Ganguly, as well as members of their staff. According to family sources, similar letters had been arriving for the past six months, but the increasingly aggressive language in the latest correspondence prompted the decision to formally approach law enforcement.

On the day of the complaint, two separate letters addressed to Sourav and Dona Ganguly were received, marking a notable escalation from earlier communications.

What the Complaint States

The written complaint, filed at Thakurpukur Police Station, read: 'For the past couple of months, we have been receiving letters from unknown persons with objectionable remarks against Mr. Ganguly. Initially, we did not pay much attention, assuming they were merely the work of someone expressing personal resentment. However, today we have received two letters addressed to Mr. Sourav Ganguly and Mrs. Dona Ganguly, in which the sender has issued serious threats to their life and safety, as well as to the people working with them.'

The complaint further stated: 'Since the letters have escalated from derogatory communication to explicit threats to life and personal safety, we believe the matter requires immediate police intervention and investigation. We request necessary action to identify the person responsible and ensure the safety of Mr Sourav Ganguly, Mrs Dona Ganguly and the staff working with them.'

Police Response and Security Measures

Kolkata Police have launched an investigation and are reportedly taking steps to bolster security around the Ganguly family. The West Bengal state government's security department has also been alerted, according to reports. The identity of the sender remains unknown at this stage.

Background and Context

This is not the first time a prominent Indian sports personality has faced threat mail, but the case carries particular weight given Ganguly's stature — he captained India to historic overseas victories and served as BCCI President from 2019 to 2022. His continued involvement in Bengal cricket administration keeps him in the public eye. The sustained nature of the threats — reportedly spanning six months — and the decision to involve both the police and the state security apparatus signals the seriousness with which the matter is being treated. Investigators are expected to examine the letters for forensic leads as the case develops.