Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed during a shocking intrusion at his Mumbai residence in the early hours of Thursday. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. (22:00 GMT on Wednesday) when an unidentified intruder broke into the actor’s home. Khan, 54, sustained six injuries, including two severe wounds—one dangerously close to his spine.
The actor was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Dr. Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon at the hospital, confirmed that a knife had penetrated Khan’s thoracic spinal cord, requiring delicate surgery to remove the weapon and repair a leak in his spinal fluid. Additional injuries to his neck and left hand were addressed by the hospital’s plastic surgery team, while cardiologist Dr. Srinivas Kudva monitored the procedure due to the actor’s existing medical conditions.
“He is stable and recovering well,” said Dr. Dange. Lilavati Hospital’s COO, Niraj Uttamani, also confirmed that Khan is out of danger.
A Heroic Attempt to Protect
The attack unfolded when Khan’s domestic worker, Elyimma Philips, spotted the intruder entering the house. She confronted the man and tried to stop him but was injured during the scuffle. Her screams alerted Khan, who intervened to protect her, leading to a violent altercation with the intruder. The assailant, armed with a sharp object, stabbed the actor before fleeing the scene.
Mumbai police have obtained CCTV footage showing the intruder and have launched an investigation. “The accused appears to have acted alone, but further details will emerge as the investigation progresses,” said senior police officer Gedam Dixit.
Family Safe, Community Shaken
Khan’s representatives have described the incident as an attempted burglary, adding that the rest of the family was unharmed. “Saif is stable, and the family is doing fine,” they stated in a press release.
Kareena Kapoor Khan had taken to her Instagram requesting for privacy during this tough and difficult time as paparazzi, media houses and fans were bombarding the family requesting for updates and so. Relatives and friends including Sanjay Dutt, Rani Mukherjee were also seen visiting Lilavati Hospital.
Saif’s Return
On 21st January after almost 5 days since the incident, Saif has been discharged and returned to his home in Mumbai. Security was at high alert as Saif greeted his fans, giving us all a sigh of relief. His sister Saba Ali Khan also gave an update earlier on Instagram, saying he’s ‘recovering steadily.’
As per reports, the family is also planning on shifting to a private residence for increased security amid the current situation. The robbery incident is still being investigated by the Mumbai Police. The Khan family has heightened all security measures with round the clock police security too at their current residence.
Here’s a glimpse in case you missed it.
The shocking incident has sparked an outpouring of concern and support from fans and the Bollywood community. While authorities continue their investigation, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of heightened security measures, even for public figures.
Sources: Al Jazeera, The Hindustan Times
