Sourav Ganguly and wife, Dona recieves death threats; lodges police complaint against anonymous accused

XtraTime Newsdesk: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly and his wife, Dona Ganguly received a threatening letter today prompting them to file a police complaint against the anonymous writer. Ganguly is no stranger to death threats but this has still made people concerned over the safety of the high profile couple.

The most recent letter was opened at the Bengal cricket president's office on Monday, according to the police complaint that the Ganguly family and the former Indian captain's personal assistant filed. It contained overt threats to "eliminate" or "finish" the cricket player and his family, and it was written fully in English.

According to family members, such letters had been arriving for six months. These were previously ignored as notes from enthusiasts. However, due to their repetitive nature and offensive language in recent incidents, the family contacted the police.

A formal written complaint was filed at Thakurpukur Police Station. The security wing of the state government was also alerted and asked to take immediate action.

"However, today we have received two letters addressed to Mr. Sourav Ganguly and Mrs. Dona Ganguly, in which the sender has not only made hate remarks against Mr. Ganguly but has also issued serious threats to the life and safety of Mr. Ganguly, Mrs. Dona Ganguly and the people working [with/for] him."

"The nature of the threats contained in the letters has caused serious concern among us. Since the letters have now escalated from hate/derogatory communication to explicit threats to life and personal safety, we believe that the matter requires immediate police intervention and investigation," read the statement on the complaint.

"In view of the seriousness of the matter, I request you to kindly take necessary action, register and investigate the complaint, identify the person responsible for sending these threatening letters, and take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of Mr. Sourav Ganguly, Mrs. Dona Ganguly and the staff working with them."

Preliminary investigations suggest that the letter was sent by courier to Ganguly's residence. The name of the sender of the package was identified as Arun Kumar, a resident of Belgaria. Investigators found the phone number listed on the letter. A search for "Truecaller" returned the same name. Police are currently investigating whether it was the real Arun Kumar who sent the letter or whether someone was using his identity to target the former Indian captain.

"We have started an investigation and are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Mr. Ganguly and his family," police officials told Ganguly's PA in response to the complaint lodged.