Kolkata: Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has filed a police complaint against an unofficial Facebook page and a sports media platform, alleging that false and defamatory content circulating online has damaged his reputation. The complaint was lodged at Thakurpukur Police Station in Kolkata, prompting authorities to begin an investigation into the matter.
At the centre of the controversy is a viral social media post that falsely claimed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted a raid at Ganguly’s residence. The former Indian skipper has categorically denied the allegation, describing it as completely fabricated and misleading. In his complaint, Ganguly named the Facebook page “Sourav Ganguly Fans,” which reportedly has millions of followers, and also referred to content published by sports website Sportzwiki.
According to sources familiar with the complaint, Ganguly alleged that the posts were intended to malign his image and create a negative perception among the public. While acknowledging that public figures are often subject to criticism, he reportedly argued that the deliberate spread of false information crossed the line into defamation and warranted legal action.
Police officials have confirmed receiving the complaint and said the matter is under examination. Investigators are expected to review the origin of the posts, their circulation on social media and whether any laws related to defamation, misinformation or digital misconduct were violated.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation on digital platforms, particularly involving public personalities. Ganguly is not the first cricket icon to take legal action over online content. In recent years, cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar have also raised concerns over the misuse of their names, images and identities in misleading online posts and advertisements.
For Ganguly, one of India’s most respected sporting figures, the complaint signals a firm stand against the spread of unverified information and online defamation. The outcome of the investigation could have wider implications for accountability on social media platforms and fan-run pages that present themselves as authentic sources of information.
