Mamata Banerjee Expresses Concern over Attack on Saif Ali Khan, Trusts “Law Will Hold Culprits Accountable”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her deep concern following the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan early Thursday morning. The actor was reportedly stabbed by an intruder who broke into his Mumbai residence. Following the altercation, Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the law and order situation in Maharashtra.

Banerjee took to social media platform X to share her thoughts and prayers for the actor's recovery. “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,” she wrote.

According to the police, the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday. A scuffle broke out between the actor and the intruder, during which Khan sustained multiple stab wounds.

Dr. Niraj Uttamani, the Chief Operating Officer at Lilavati Hospital, confirmed that Saif Ali Khan had suffered six injuries, two of which were deep, with one near his spine. He added that the actor was undergoing surgery, performed by a team of doctors led by Neurosurgeon Dr. Nitin Dange, along with Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Leena Jain and Anaesthesiologist Dr. Nisha Gandhi.

Following the surgery, a statement from Team Saif Ali Khan confirmed that the actor was out of danger and in recovery. “He is currently in recovery and the doctors are monitoring his progress. All family members are safe, and the police are investigating the incident,” the statement read. The team also expressed gratitude to the medical team at Lilavati Hospital and thanked the actor’s fans for their prayers.

In response to the attack, the Mumbai Police have started questioning three household attendants employed at Khan’s residence. An FIR has been registered against the unidentified intruder at the Bandra police station, and the case has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation. The Crime Branch has assembled seven specialized teams to track down the suspect. One team is reviewing CCTV footage, while three other teams are pursuing leads across various locations in the city.

The attack on Saif Ali Khan has raised concerns among political leaders, particularly from the opposition, who have criticised the Maharashtra government for growing security issues in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the safety of citizens, especially celebrities, noting the attack on Khan, along with other incidents like the murder of politician Baba Siddique and a shooting near Salman Khan's residence. “If celebrities are not safe, then who in Mumbai is?” questioned Chaturvedi. Congress MP Varsha Gaekwad also expressed shock over the attack, criticising the government for its failure to address rising violence. “Day in and day out we hear of gun violence, robberies, stabbing incidents in Mumbai and MMR, and the government has no answers,” she said.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto raised further concerns, pointing out that if high-profile individuals with security can be attacked, ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. “The fear of law seems to be at a low in Maharashtra due to leniency in recent years,” he remarked. In response to the criticism, BJP MLA Ram Kadam assured the public that the police were thoroughly investigating the incident. “The police are responsible for ensuring such an incident does not repeat,” he said, adding that no one would be spared.​