The recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has sparked intense political reactions across Maharashtra and beyond, with various leaders expressing their views on the nature of the crime and the nationality of the accused.
Mumbai Police have arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi man, in connection with the stabbing of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Shahzad was apprehended after an intense 70-hour manhunt, which included tracking his digital footprints, including a UPI transaction and CCTV footage. The Bandra Court sent him to five days of police custody. Shahzad, originally from Bangladesh, allegedly attempted a robbery at Khan’s residence, which escalated into violence, leaving the actor with six stab wounds. After fleeing, Shahzad hid in Thane for several days before being arrested.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske’s Concerns
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske raised concerns about the influx of foreign workers, stating that the nationality of labourers coming into India should be thoroughly checked. Mhaske emphasized that many such individuals, once in India for work, are potentially involved in crimes and even terrorism. He is scheduled to meet with the Police Commissioner to discuss this issue further, advocating for stricter measures to address the problem.
Naresh Mhaske says, “The labourers that come here, their nationality should be checked… They enter India to work and then commit crimes and terrorism. I am going to meet the Police commissioner tomorrow for this.”
NCP Leader Jitendra Awhad’s Remarks Spark Controversy
On the other hand, NCP leader Jitendra Awhad’s comments have ignited controversy. Awhad, responding to criticisms, claimed that certain political statements were made to divert attention from the investigation and were aimed at gaining votes from a particular community. He also criticized the divisive nature of these remarks, accusing them of attempting to create conflict between Hindus and Muslims. Awhad further stated that he believed an apology to the Hindu community was in order and called for a thorough investigation by the government.
Jitendra Awhad said, “He made these statements to divert the enquiry, to be called progressive and to get votes of a particular religion. He should ask forgiveness from the Hindu community. Was he trying to start a fight between Hindus and Muslims?… The government should investigate this matter.”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Defends Law & Order in Mumbai
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar addressed claims by some opposition leaders that Mumbai’s law and order had collapsed following the attack. He clarified that the accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national, came to Mumbai intending to commit robbery, not knowing that the target was a film star’s residence. Pawar emphasised that the situation should not be exaggerated and that the accused’s actions were criminal, but not indicative of a larger breakdown in law and order.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Some opposition leaders have stated that law and order collapsed in Mumbai after the incident of attack on actor Saif Ali Khan. But the reality is that the accused came from Bangladesh. First, he came to Kolkata and then came to Mumbai. He was not aware that it was the house of some film star. He just entered the house with the intention of robbery.”
BJP Leaders Focus on Foreign Nationals and Security
BJP leaders have focused on the national security aspect of the attack, with Kirit Somaiya specifically pointing to Shehzad’s Bangladeshi nationality. Somaiya called for the identification and deportation of Rohingya and Bangladeshi individuals residing illegally in Maharashtra.
“Kirit Somaiya said, “The one who attacked Saif Ali Khan, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad is a Bangladeshi and lives in Thane. Mumbai Police has arrested him. I thank and pray to the Maharashtra Police that these Rohingyas, Bangladesh who have entered Maharashtra should be apprehended and sent back to Bangladesh.”
Similarly, Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva expressed concerns over the presence of Bangladeshi Rohingyas in the country, urging Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to explain his stance on protecting such individuals, whom he described as a security threat. Virendraa Sachdeva says “We have been saying from the first day that Bangladeshi Rohingya is a threat to the security of Delhi and the country…Arvind Kejriwal should tell why he works to save Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. You should now answer why Arvind Kejriwal works to nurture criminals who are a threat to the country’s security.”
BJP Leader Kailash Vijayvargiya Raises Alarm on Rising Cybercrime
In Jabalpur, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya linked the attack to broader concerns regarding the infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into India. He highlighted the increasing issue of cybercrime, allegedly perpetrated by individuals from Bangladesh, and criticised the Bengal government for allegedly facilitating the smuggling of these individuals, providing them with false identities. Vijayvargiya emphasized the need for the government to take decisive action against such activities to ensure national security.
Kailash Vijayvargiya said, “This is a matter of concern. Many Bangladeshis are being smuggled into India by the Bengal government. Their Aadhar cards are being made in Hindu names. After coming here, they are committing crimes. Right now cybercrime is increasing, which is being committed by the people of Bangladesh. Criminal activities by Bangladeshi people are a matter of concern. The government has taken a strict decision on this… Necessary action needs to be taken on this.”
The attack on Saif Ali Khan has ignited a larger debate in India over immigration, national security, and the potential misuse of identity systems. While some focus on the role of foreign nationals in committing crimes, others urge caution and emphasise the need for a balanced approach in addressing the security challenges posed by illegal immigration. As the investigation into the attack continues, political reactions are expected to evolve, further fueling discussions about India’s border security and the handling of foreign nationals within its borders.