The Mumbai Police has released the first photograph of the man suspected of attacking Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in his Bandra residence. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, left the actor with serious injuries to his hand, neck, and spine.
Captured on CCTV at 2:33 am, the suspect is seen wearing a t-shirt, jeans, a backpack, and what appears to be an orange scarf. The image shows him walking through the stairwell of the building where Saif Ali Khan and his family reside.
Details of the Incident
Saif Ali Khan, along with his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan and their two sons, live in a luxury apartment spanning four floors of a 12-storey building in Bandra West.
Intrusion and Confrontation
- The attacker reportedly scaled a wall adjacent to the building and entered the compound.
- He climbed the rear stairs to access the Khans’ apartment and used a fire escape to gain entry.
- One of the household staff, Eliyama Phillipes (alias Lima), spotted the intruder and screamed for help, alerting the actor.
In an attempt to protect his family and house staff, Saif confronted the attacker. During the altercation, the intruder stabbed the actor six times, leaving him with severe injuries.
Injuries and Medical Response
The injuries included:
- A knife lodged in the thoracic spine.
- Deep wounds on his left hand.
- A laceration on his neck.
Saif Ali Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital by his son, Ibrahim Ali Khan.
Statement from Lilavati Hospital
Dr. Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon at the hospital, shared details about the actor’s condition:
- Emergency surgery was performed to remove the knife and repair leaking spinal fluid.
- Two other deep wounds on his left hand and one on his neck were repaired by the plastic surgery team.
- The actor is now stable and recovering.
“I am happy to confirm that Mr. Saif Ali Khan is completely stable now. He is recovering well and out of danger,” Dr. Dange stated.
Investigation Underway
Police believe the attacker intended to rob the Khans’ apartment. A manhunt is underway to locate and apprehend the suspect.
- The CCTV footage shows the suspect using the stairwell of the building to reach the Khans’ floors.
- Police sources indicate that he likely entered the compound earlier in the night and waited for an opportunity to strike.
- Multiple teams, including the Mumbai Crime Branch, are investigating the case.
Community Concerns
The attack has raised concerns about safety and security in Bandra’s residential areas. Many high-profile residents have called for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents.
The attack on Saif Ali Khan has left both fans and the Bollywood community in shock. As investigations progress, police are working to ensure the safety of the Khans and other residents in the area. For now, Saif Ali Khan is on the road to recovery, and the search for the attacker continues.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
