Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is out of danger after undergoing surgery at Lilavati Hospital following a harrowing attack by an intruder at his residence in the early hours of Thursday morning, reported The Indian Express.
“Saif Ali Khan has come out of surgery and is out of danger. He is currently in recovery, and the doctors are monitoring his progress. All family members are safe, and the police are investigating the incident,” Khan’s team issued a statement confirming his condition.
“We would like to thank Dr Niraj Uttamani, Dr Nitin Dange, Dr Leena Jain, and the team at Lilavati Hospital. Thank you to all his fans and well-wishers for their prayers and thoughts during this time.”
Khan, 54, sustained six stab wounds, including two deep cuts on his back – one alarmingly close to his spine – and a minor injury on his neck. As per Indian news agency PTI, Khan was left with a fragment of the three-inch blade in his back after it snapped off.
“Emergency surgery was performed to remove the knife and repair leaking spinal fluid,” stated a spokesperson for the hospital. “Two other deep wounds on his left hand and one other on his neck were repaired by the plastic surgery team.”
Early investigation
According to Mumbai Police, the incident occurred past midnight while Khan, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, their two sons, and domestic help were asleep. Reports suggest that actor’s son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, and a member of household staff rushed him to the Lilavati hospital at 3:30AM.
As per reports by Indian media, new surveillance footage shows the suspected attacker fleeing the star’s home in the moments after the attack. According to a clip shared by Indian channel NDTV, a man wearing a T-shirt and jeans can be seen leaving down the stairs at approximately 2.33AM on the early morning of the attack. At one point, he looks directly at the camera. He appears to be carrying a bag and what looks like an orange scarf. The man in the footage is wearing a T-shirt and jeans, carrying a bag, and what appears to be an orange scarf. However, the man is yet to be identified by the police.
An earlier review of CCTV footage did not reveal a suspect in either the lift or the lobby entering the building within two hours of the attack. Police have speculated that the attacker used the building shaft to enter the Khan family’s 12th floor apartment.
Initial investigations suggest the intruder was connected to one of the household staff members, who is currently being questioned. Police said the domestic help had allowed the attacker into the house, leading to a violent confrontation when Khan attempted to intervene during an argument between the intruder and the maid.
The intruder managed to escape after being locked in a room. CCTV footage from the premises is still being analysed, and Mumbai Crime Branch has joined local authorities in the investigation. Theft is suspected as the primary motive behind the attack. New claims suggest that the attacker allegedly demanded INR10 million during the home invasion.
A senior police officer shared, “Prima facie, it appears that the attacker is related to one of the domestic helps. The investigation is ongoing, and the accused is yet to be apprehended.”
Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital following the attack, where he underwent surgery to address his injuries. Fans and well-wishers across the country have been expressing their support and relief over Khan’s recovery.
The police have intensified their efforts to locate the attacker and ensure the family’s safety in the aftermath of the traumatic event. Eight teams have been mobilised to track the suspect, who continues to remain at large.
In addition to Khan, a member of the household staff was also injured in the attack and is reportedly being treated. The Indian Express has reported that the victim, a female employee of the home, had screamed to alert family members at around 2:00AM.
Kareena’s statement
Taking to Instagram, Khan’s wife, Kareena, has appealed to fans to allow the family to navigate this challenging time in private.
“It has been an incredibly challenging day for our family, and we are still trying to process the events that have unfolded. As we navigate this difficult time, I respectfully and humbly request that the media and paparazzi refrain from the relentless speculation and coverage,” wrote Kareena. “While we appreciate the concern and support, the constant scrutiny and attention are not only overwhelming but also pose a significant risk to our safety.”
Reiterating her earlier plea, Kareena added, “I kindly request that you respect our boundaries and give us the space we need to heal and cope as a family. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation during this sensitive time.”
