A burglary attempt at actor Saif Ali Khan's Mumbai residence has sparked a political uproar in Maharashtra, with opposition parties questioning the state’s law and order situation under the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government.
The 54-year-old actor sustained at least six stab wounds after an intruder broke into his Bandra home and attacked him. The attacker, who remains unidentified, managed to escape.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticised the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, questioning the safety of common citizens if even public figures are vulnerable.
The MP raised concerns about the state's law and order situation, targeting Maharashtra's Home Minister. He claimed that incidents like these occur "daily" in slum areas but only come to light when a celebrity is involved.
During a press conference, Raut said, "Saif Ali Khan is an artist; he has also been awarded Padma Shri. Saif Ali Khan and his family met him at the Prime Minister's residence a few days ago. The Prime Minister had invited him. Everyone sat with him for an hour and discussed. Saif Ali Khan was also very happy after meeting the Prime Minister. But yesterday the Prime Minister was in Mumbai and at this time Saif Ali Khan was attacked with a knife. Some people say the attacker was a thief, some say something else, but what is the law and order situation in this state? ... Where is our Home Minister?"
Raut continued, "If we speak, comments are made on us that you have no work. If you have work, you are busy as Home Minister, then what is happening in Mumbai and Maharashtra? In Mumbai, an artist like Saif Ali Khan is attacked in his most secure house ... How is the common public safe? Such incidents are happening every day in slums. Saif Ali Khan is a celebrity, that is why you have come to know about this news," he added.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns about law-order in Mumbai, stating, "If celebrities are not safe, who in Mumbai is?" She further criticised the government, saying, "What a shame that Mumbai witnesses yet another high-profile attack."
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto echoed similar concerns, stating, "Attack on Saif Ali Khan is a cause for concern because if such high-profile people with levels of security can be attacked in their homes, then what could happen to common citizens? Fear of law seems to be at a low in Maharashtra due to leniencies in the past couple of years."
Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP and a family friend of Saif's wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, described the incident as "worrisome." Sule told journalists in Baramati, that Saif was safe after being hospitalised.
Congress MP Varsha Gaekwad expressed shock at the attack, stating, "I am extremely shocked at this brazen attack. What is going on in Mumbai? That this happens in Bandra, known to be a safe neighborhood, is deeply concerning."
The attack occurred at approximately 2.30am on January 16, when an intruder barged into Saif Ali Khan's home and stabbed him with a knife. Following the incident, the actor was hospitalized and underwent a medical procedure.
BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan expressed his sadness over the incident, tweeting, “It’s sad. He is my friend and fellow artist Mumbai Police is investigating and the thief will be caught. I pray for his recovery.”
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed concern over the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, "It’s very concerning to hear about the attack on noted actor Saif Ali Khan. I pray for his speedy recovery, trusting that the law will take its course and those responsible will be held accountable. My thoughts and prayers are with Sharmila Di, Kareena Kapoor, and the entire family during this difficult time."
