Mumbai Police Launch Massive Manhunt as Actor Saif Ali Khan Recovers After Stabbing Attack

Initial Attack and Police Response

The search for the assailant who attacked Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan continues into its third day, with over 30 Mumbai Police teams deployed across the city. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when an unidentified intruder repeatedly stabbed the 54-year-old actor at his upscale Bandra residence in Mumbai.

Suspect Description and CCTV Evidence

Despite extensive police efforts and CCTV footage showing the attacker fleeing the scene, the perpetrator remains at large. The footage captured the suspect, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, hurriedly descending the stairs from the sixth floor of ‘Satguru Sharan’ building, where Khan resides, around 2:30 AM.

Emergency Response and Medical Treatment

Saif Ali Khan, who suffered multiple stab wounds including one to his neck, was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an autorickshaw driven by Bhajan Singh Rana, who has since been lauded as a hero. Remarkably, according to Dr. Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon at the hospital, Khan walked into the facility “like a lion” despite being soaked in blood.

Surgical Intervention

The actor Saif Ali Khan underwent emergency surgery during which doctors removed a 2.5-inch knife fragment lodged in his spine. Medical professionals noted the severity of the attack, stating that if the knife had penetrated just 2 millimeters deeper, it could have resulted in severe injury. The image of the extracted knife blade has since gone viral on social media platforms.

Medical Update

Dr. Dange provided an update on Khan’s condition, stating, “We are observing his progress, and he is doing excellently well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest, and if he is comfortable, then in two to three days, we will discharge him.” The medical team has already begun rehabilitation efforts, helping Khan take his first steps post-surgery.

Investigation Developments

The investigation has yielded some preliminary findings, with police ruling out any underworld connections to the attack. Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Yogesh Kadam confirmed this assessment. Investigators believe the suspect was not working for any criminal organization and may have been unaware of whose residence he had entered, suggesting this might have been an attempted robbery gone wrong.

Police Actions and Witness Statements

In their efforts to apprehend the suspect, police briefly detained a carpenter who matched the description of the intruder. However, after questioning at the Bandra Police station on Friday morning, he was released. The investigation has expanded significantly, with authorities recording over 30 statements from various individuals connected to the case.

Family Involvement

Among those who provided statements was actor Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan wife, who spoke to Bandra Police officers at her residence on Friday evening. The police continue to gather evidence and testimonies as they work to piece together the events leading up to the attack.

The Unsung Hero

One of the unexpected heroes of this incident is autorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana, who transported Saif Ali Khan to the hospital. Rana revealed that he was unaware his blood-soaked passenger was the famous actor and Padma Shri awardee. His quick action in getting Khan to medical attention has earned him significant media attention and public praise.

Security Concerns

The attack on Khan has raised questions about celebrity security in Mumbai, particularly in residential areas. While some are calling for enhanced security measures for public figures, others maintain that such incidents are rare and don’t necessarily indicate a broader security issue.

Ongoing Investigation

The police investigation continues with multiple angles being pursued. The formation of 30 specialized teams demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. These teams are working around the clock, analyzing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and following up on potential leads.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As the manhunt enters its third day, the Mumbai Police face mounting pressure to apprehend the suspect. The attack on one of Bollywood’s most prominent actors Saif Ali Khan has captured national attention, and authorities are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice. Meanwhile, Khan’s medical team continues to monitor his recovery, with the actor expected to return home within the next few days, marking a positive development in what has been a troubling incident for both the film industry and the city of Mumbai.