Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was stabbed multiple times in his home in an affluent Mumbai neighborhood on Thursday, Indian police officials said.
Mr Khan, a prolific actor from a celebrity family, was injured shortly before dawn in the Bandra district by an intruder who managed to escape, according to police. He was taken to hospital, where doctors said he was recovering and in stable condition.
Police were investigating the attack and believed the stabbing was part of an attempted burglary, said Dixit Gedam, deputy commissioner of Mumbai police. Police were searching for a suspect who had been identified, he said. “We know the intruder used the fire escape to enter the house,” Mr Gedam said.
Mr. Khan suffered a serious spinal cord injury, as well as deep wounds to his arm and neck, according to Dr. Nitin Dange of Lilavati Hospital, where he was being treated. He had undergone surgery to remove a knife and repair a spinal fluid leak.
Mr. Khan, 54, starred in more than 70 films during a career spanning three decades, with roles ranging from fun, romantic heroes to dark, realistic villains. His mother, Sharmila Tagore, was a famous actress and his father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, of royal descent, was the captain of the Indian cricket team. Mr. Khan is also married to another prominent actor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and his daughter, Sara Ali Khan, is also an actress.
The actor’s representatives released a statement asking fans and media to remain patient while police investigate.
As news of the stabbing spread, opposition politicians in Maharashtra, the state of which Mumbai is the capital, were quick to criticize the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for what they described the law enforcement situation as deteriorating.
“If celebrities are not safe, then who is in Mumbai? Maharashta MP Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on social networks.
Actor and filmmaker Pooja Bhat called for a greater police presence in the neighborhood, writing on social networks“The city and especially the queen of the suburbs have never felt so in danger. »
Last July, two gunmen opened fire outside star actor Salman Khan’s house, also in Bandra. Police arrested two men in that shooting and said the suspects were linked to jailed gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi.
In October, a former Maharashtra state minister, Baba Siddique, was fatally shot by three gunmen near the office of his son, also a politician, in Bandra. Mr. Siddique had close ties with Bollywood stars.
