Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has raised scepticism regarding the stabbing incident involving Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. On Wednesday, Rane questioned whether the actor was genuinely injured or merely “acting.” He commented, “I saw him coming out of the hospital, and I doubted whether he had been stabbed or if he was acting. He was dancing while walking.”
‘Garbage Should Be Taken Away’
Rane took a strong stance against Bangladeshi immigrants in India while addressing the attack on Saif. The Mumbai Police had arrested one person, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, in connection with the incident. Authorities suspect Shehzad to be a Bangladeshi national. Rane criticised the infiltration of illegal immigrants, stating, “Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. Earlier they used to stand at road crossings, now they have started entering homes.” He further added, “Maybe he came to take him [Saif] away. It is good, garbage should be taken away.”
Opposition Targeted Over Selective Concerns
Lashing out at the opposition parties in Maharashtra, Rane accused them of being selective in their responses to incidents involving Bollywood actors. “Whenever any Khan, like Shah Rukh Khan or Saif Ali Khan, gets hurt, everyone starts talking about it. When a Hindu actor like Sushant Singh Rajput was tortured, no one came forward to say anything,” Rane alleged. He further criticised politicians Jitendra Awhad and Supriya Sule for their silence on issues concerning Hindu actors, claiming they only show concern for Muslim celebrities.
Shiv Sena Leader Questions Swift Recovery
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has also cast doubts on the nature of Saif Ali Khan’s injuries and his rapid recovery. Nirupam questioned how an individual who reportedly sustained six injuries and underwent a six-hour surgery could be discharged in just four days. “The doctors claimed that a 2.5-inch piece of knife was lodged in his back, and the operation took six hours. Is it possible to recover so quickly and be in such a fit condition?” he asked. Nirupam acknowledged Saif’s fitness but expressed scepticism over the speed of his discharge.
The incident took place last week at Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra residence when an intruder, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, broke into the actor’s home with the intent of theft. A confrontation ensued, during which Saif sustained stab wounds to his thoracic spine. He was promptly rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment. Following five days of medical care, the actor was discharged on Tuesday and was seen smiling and waving to the paparazzi as he left the hospital under tight security.
The police successfully apprehended the accused, Shehzad, at Hiranandani Estate in Thane while he was attempting to flee to his native village in Bangladesh. Authorities confirmed that Shehzad hails from the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh.
As the investigation continues, Nitesh Rane’s statements have added a political dimension to the incident. With ongoing scrutiny from political figures and the media, questions remain about the nature of the attack, the presence of illegal immigrants, and the actor’s swift recovery.