Sourav Ganguly's security downgraded: Why did former India captain lose his Z category cover?

The West Bengal government has reduced the security cover provided to former India captain and former BCCI president

Part of wider security restructuring

State authorities said the move is part of a broader review of VIP security deployments and is not specific to Ganguly alone.

Officials indicated that the objective of the exercise is to ensure that security cover is aligned with an individual's current constitutional position, official responsibilities and updated threat perception.


According to the assessment, Ganguly's present status does not warrant continuation of "Z" category protection, leading to the decision to scale down the security deployment while retaining necessary safeguards.

Understanding India's VIP security categories

India's VIP security framework is divided into multiple categories based on an individual's threat perception and security requirements.

The X category is the basic level of protection and involves two security personnel. It is generally assigned to individuals facing a relatively low threat level and does not include commando protection.

The Y category provides security through a team of up to 11 personnel, including one or two commandos and police officers, and is meant for individuals assessed to face low to moderate threats.

The Y+ category is an enhanced version of Y security and includes additional commandos along with two mobile security personnel.

The Z category, which was previously assigned to Sourav Ganguly, consists of 22 security personnel. It is granted to individuals facing serious security concerns and typically includes four to five NSG commandos, local police support and access to a bulletproof vehicle.

The Z+ category is among the highest standard levels of protection available in the country. It involves more than 55 security personnel, including over 10 NSG commandos, bulletproof vehicles, pilot vehicles and round-the-clock security coverage.

At the top of the security structure is SPG protection, which is reserved exclusively for the Prime Minister of India and immediate family members residing with them. Details of SPG deployment remain classified.

Which agencies provide VIP security?

Several central and state security agencies are responsible for implementing VIP protection arrangements.

The National Security Guard (NSG), commonly known as the Black Cat commandos, is India's elite counter-terrorism force and is primarily associated with Z and Z+ category security.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the country's largest paramilitary force, provides security to a large number of protected individuals across India.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is also deployed for the protection of prominent personalities and critical infrastructure, including airports.

State police forces often supplement central security agencies and are frequently responsible for providing X and Y category protection, particularly for local politicians and public figures.