Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed outside his Mumbai home during an attempted burglary early Thursday morning and is currently hospitalized, according to Indian media reports.
Mumbai police confirmed that Khan is out of danger. “He is being treated and is out of danger,” senior police officer Gedam Dixit told Reuters.
The Pataudi family issued an official statement following the attack, as reported by Filmfare: “There was an attempted burglary at Mr. Saif Ali Khan’s residence. He is currently in hospital undergoing surgery. We ask the media and fans to be patient as this is a police matter. We will keep you updated on the situation.”
Khan’s wife, Kareena Kapoor’s team also shared a statement: “There was an attempted burglary at Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s residence last night. Saif sustained an injury to his arm and is undergoing a procedure in the hospital. The rest of the family is fine. We request the media and fans to remain patient and refrain from speculation as the police are conducting their investigations. We thank you for your concern.”
Khan suffered six stab wounds, two of which were deep, according to Dr. Niraj Uttamani, the chief operating officer of Lilavati Hospital, where the actor is being treated. He also mentioned a small foreign object was found near the spine.
Dr. Uttamani confirmed in an official statement that Khan was attacked by an unknown assailant at his Bandra residence and was brought to the hospital around 3:30 a.m. Sources told Hindustan Times that one of the wounds was particularly deep and required 10 stitches. However, the injury did not affect his spine or vital organs, and Khan was reportedly trying to prevent a robbery.
Recent reports indicated that three suspects have been detained by Bandra police.
Police are investigating the incident and searching for the attacker, who fled the scene, according to media sources.
Film industry stars and opposition leaders have called for stronger security measures.
Clyde Crasto, spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar, raised concerns, saying, “If high-profile individuals with security can be attacked in their homes, what could happen to ordinary citizens?”
Actor and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt also called for increased police presence, stating, “The city, and especially the queen of the suburbs, has never felt so unsafe before,” referring to the trendy suburb housing many in the film industry.
