Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's recent remarks questioning the authenticity of the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan have sparked widespread controversy and condemnation. Rane, speaking at an event in Pune, cast doubt on the incident by suggesting that Saif might have been "just acting." His comments, seen by many as insensitive and politicized, have drawn criticism from various quarters, including political leaders, social media users, and members of the film fraternity.
Saif Ali Khan, aged 54, was discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital on Tuesday after spending five days recovering from injuries sustained during a violent altercation with an intruder at his residence. The incident, which occurred on January 16, unfolded when Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national, entered Saif’s Bandra flat reportedly with the intent to commit theft. The situation escalated when Shehzad was discovered by a house help in the room of Saif’s younger son, Jeh. The alarm raised by the staff prompted Saif to confront the intruder, leading to a physical struggle during which the actor was stabbed multiple times.
Among the injuries, one was particularly severe, with a knife piercing near Saif's spine and causing a leak of spinal fluid. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital acted swiftly, performing emergency surgery to remove the knife fragment and prevent further complications. The medical team has since reported that Saif is on the path to recovery, although the incident has understandably left his family shaken.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Rane's remarks appeared to trivialize Saif's ordeal. "When I saw Saif Ali Khan after he was discharged, I doubted whether he was really stabbed or just acting," Rane said, raising questions about the minister’s intent in making such statements. Critics have slammed Rane for politicizing a personal tragedy, with many accusing him of lacking empathy.
Rane also used the opportunity to accuse opposition leaders, such as NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, of selectively expressing concern for certain individuals. "Supriya Sule is worried about Saif Ali Khan, Shahrukh Khan’s son, and NCP leader Nawab Malik. Have you ever heard her being worried about any Hindu artist?" Rane questioned, referencing incidents involving Bollywood celebrities to allege bias in their advocacy. He also criticized the lack of attention given to the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, suggesting that certain cases receive disproportionate focus based on the individuals involved.
Rane further broadened his remarks to address the issue of illegal immigration, a contentious topic in Maharashtra politics. Referring to the intruder in Saif's case, Rane claimed, “Earlier, Bangladeshis used to stay at the Mumbai port, but now they have started entering houses as well. Maybe they had come to take him away.” His inflammatory remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of stoking communal tensions and perpetuating stereotypes about migrants.
The police investigation has revealed that the intruder, Shehzad, had entered Saif's home to steal valuables. However, the confrontation with Saif turned violent, leading to the attack. Shehzad was later arrested in Thane, and authorities are now probing his background and any potential accomplices. Law enforcement agencies are also reviewing security measures at high-profile residences to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan and his family have remained private about the incident, choosing not to respond to Rane’s comments directly. Saif’s representatives have expressed gratitude to the medical team at Lilavati Hospital for their swift action and care, while also emphasizing the need for improved security protocols in the wake of the attack.
Rane’s comments have sparked heated debates on social media, with hashtags related to the incident trending as users expressed both outrage and support for his statements. Many have condemned his insensitivity, arguing that the focus should remain on ensuring justice and supporting the victim rather than politicizing the matter. Others, however, have echoed his concerns about illegal immigration and security, calling for stricter measures to address these issues.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the safety of celebrities in India, particularly those living in urban areas like Mumbai, where high-profile individuals are often targets of crime. Experts have suggested that the attack highlights vulnerabilities in residential security, calling for increased surveillance and better coordination between private security personnel and local law enforcement.
As Saif Ali Khan continues his recovery, the incident remains a topic of intense public interest. Whether Rane’s remarks will have lasting political ramifications or fade into the background as the focus shifts back to the investigation and the actor’s well-being remains to be seen. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by public figures and the importance of robust safety measures in safeguarding them and their families.
