Mumbai, India – Renowned Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is currently in a stable state and on the mend following a harrowing attack at his residence in Bandra during the early hours of Monday. Khan, who suffered a traumatic injury to his thoracic spinal cord, was swiftly transported to Lilavati Hospital where he underwent immediate surgery. Medical professionals at the facility have assured that the actor’s condition has since stabilized and he is showing positive signs of recovery.
The incident that led to Khan’s hospitalization unfolded around 2 a.m. when an intruder, allegedly aiming to execute a robbery, forcibly entered Khan’s home. Reports suggest that the assailant demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore from the actor’s maid. When she resisted, Khan intervened, resulting in a physical altercation during which he was stabbed multiple times. The confrontation left him with a critical stab wound and a knife blade fragment in his spine.
There is speculation that Khan’s son, Ibrahim, played a crucial role in the emergency response, reportedly rushing his father to the hospital in an unconventional yet swift manner using an auto-rickshaw. This prompt action is believed to have been vital in securing the timely medical intervention that Khan received.
The aftermath of the attack saw various family members gather at the hospital to support Khan. His wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, his sister Soha Ali Khan, brother-in-law Kunal Kemmu, and children Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim were present. His mother, Sharmila Tagore, was also amongst the visitors checking in on his health.
In a heartfelt plea shared on social media, Kareena Kapoor Khan expressed gratitude towards the public for their support and solicited privacy for her family as they navigate through this distressing period. She emphasized the need for space to allow the family to heal from the traumatic event.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have ramped up their investigation into the violent intrusion. Authorities believe the attacker gained entry to the residence through a fire escape. The identity of the assailant has been ascertained, and police have deployed ten specialized detection teams to apprehend the suspect. Preliminary findings indicate the motive was robbery. Footage from security cameras installed at the site captured images of the suspect, aiding the police in their ongoing efforts to solve the case.
The violent crime has ignited fierce debates over the adequacy of security arrangements at homes of notable individuals in Mumbai. In the wake of the assault, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, voiced his concern regarding the security lapse that allowed such an incident to occur. Opposition leaders have also weighed in, criticizing the state government’s approach to safeguarding its citizens, particularly in light of recent events.
Authorities and community leaders are now faced with addressing the broader implications for security in one of India’s most affluent neighborhoods, questioning whether the existing measures are sufficient in protecting its high-profile residents against increasingly bold criminal acts.