Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by an intruder who broke into his Mumbai residence in the early hours of Thursday, 16 January. The attack occurred at around 2:30 am while the actor was asleep. Khan was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
According to Dr Niraj Uttamani, COO of Lilavati Hospital, the actor underwent a 2.5-hour neurosurgery alongside plastic surgery. “Saif Ali Khan was stabbed in the spine with a knife, which caused leaking spinal fluid. This has been repaired. He also sustained deep wounds on his hands and neck, which were treated by plastic surgery,” Dr Uttamani said during a media briefing on Thursday afternoon.
The hospital has confirmed that Saif is now out of danger and recovering well. In a statement, the hospital expressed gratitude to the team of doctors, including neurosurgeon Dr Nitin Dange, cosmetic surgeon Dr Leena Jain, and anaesthesiologist Dr Nisha Gandhi. “We thank Dr Niraj Uttamani and the entire team at Lilavati Hospital. Thank you to all his fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support during this time,” the statement read.
Police Investigation Underway
The Mumbai Crime Branch and local police have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the intruder accessed the property by scaling a wall from an adjacent building.
A scuffle reportedly broke out between Saif and the intruder when the latter attempted to enter the premises, during which the actor was stabbed multiple times before the attacker fled. An FIR has been lodged at Bandra Police Station, and three household attendants are being questioned.
The Crime Branch has formed 15 teams to locate the suspect. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and teams have been dispatched to various locations within and outside Mumbai.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s team issued a statement assuring fans of the family’s safety. “There was an attempted burglary at Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s residence last night. Saif sustained an injury on his arm and is in hospital undergoing a procedure. The rest of the family is doing fine. We request the media and fans to remain patient and avoid speculation while the police continue their investigation. Thank you all for your concern.”
Saif, Kareena, and their sons recently returned to Mumbai after spending the New Year holidays in Switzerland.
Actor’s team speaks
On Thursday afternoon, Saif Ali Khan’s team issued an official update on his health: “Saif Ali Khan has come out of surgery and is out of danger. He is currently in recovery, and the doctors are closely monitoring his progress.”
Fans and colleagues from the film industry have extended their well-wishes to the actor during this difficult time.