WATCH: Saif Ali Khan’s attacker caught after intense 30-hour manhunt
Bollywood rallies support for Indian actor, who is hospitalised with serious knife wounds
MUMBAI: Police in India have arrested the main suspect in the stabbing of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, ending a relentless 30-hour manhunt.
The attacker, whose identity remains undisclosed, was brought to Bandra Police Station for interrogation, where authorities are piecing together the events leading to the shocking incident.
The man, captured on CCTV, was wearing a brown collared T-shirt and a red scarf as he descended the stairs of Saif Ali Khan’s residence in Bandra West around 2:30AM on Thursday. Footage showed the intruder calmly exiting the building, seemingly unaware of the cameras recording his every move.
How was Saif Ali Khan attacked?
The attack occurred in the early hours of January 16 at Khan’s upscale apartment in the ‘Satguru Sharan’ building. According to initial reports, the intruder scaled a boundary wall to gain access to the premises and used a fire escape to enter the actor’s residence. Inside, he reportedly encountered house help Eliyama Phillipes, who raised an alarm.
Saif, alerted by the commotion, confronted the assailant and attempted to overpower him. In the ensuing scuffle, the actor was stabbed six times. He sustained deep wounds to his left hand and neck, while a blade was lodged in his spine.
The intruder also threatened Phillipes, demanding INR10 million in ransom.
Witnesses say the man attempted to enter the room of Saif and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s youngest son, Jehangir, before the confrontation escalated.
Swift medical response
Saif was reportedly rushed to Lilavati Hospital by his 8-year-old son, Taimur Ali Khan, with the help of a caretaker.
The medical team, led by Dr Nitin Dange, performed emergency surgery to remove the blade and repair damage to his thoracic spinal cord. Two other deep wounds required plastic surgery intervention.
“Saif Ali Khan is stable and out of danger,” Dr Dange confirmed, adding that the actor would remain under observation during his recovery.
CCTV and arrest
Mumbai Police deployed 20 teams to track the suspect, who was believed to have fled towards Vasai Virar after the attack. CCTV footage from Bandra Railway Station proved crucial in narrowing the search. The suspect was eventually apprehended while attempting to board a local train.
#WATCH | Saif Ali Khan Attack Case | Mumbai Police bring one person to Bandra Police station for questioning.
— ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2025
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Authorities believe the attack may have been a botched burglary, but they are exploring other possible motives. Police Commissioner Rajesh Singh stated, “The investigation is ongoing, and we are interrogating the suspect to determine his intent and any potential accomplices.”
Bollywood reacts to attack on Saif Ali Khan
The incident has sent shockwaves across the film industry, with numerous celebrities expressing their concern. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif’s wife, issued a heartfelt statement urging media and paparazzi to respect their family’s privacy.
“This has been an incredibly challenging day for our family. We request the media to avoid relentless speculation and allow us the space to heal,” she wrote on Instagram.
Priyanka Chopra commented, “Sending so much love,” while Ranveer Singh and Shreya Ghoshal extended their prayers.
Other stars, including Aditi Rao Hydari, voiced their support for Saif and his family during this harrowing time.
Saif, known for his iconic roles in Bollywood and OTT platforms, is expected to give a formal statement once his condition improves. For now, his fans and the film fraternity are breathing a sigh of relief at his stable recovery.