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Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has raised controversy with his comments regarding the stabbing incident involving Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Speaking at a Hindu Mahotsav rally in Alandi on Thursday, Rane questioned the authenticity of Saif Ali Khan’s injury, which occurred during a robbery attempt at his Bandra residence on January 16. “I saw when he came out of the hospital, I doubted whether he had been stabbed or was acting. He was dancing while walking,” Rane remarked, expressing skepticism about the nature of the actor’s injuries and recovery.
Saif Ali Khan was attacked in the early hours of January 16 by an intruder identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir. The attacker, believed to be a Bangladeshi national, entered Saif's apartment with the intent to rob the actor’s home. During the confrontation, Saif sustained multiple stab wounds, including one to his thoracic spine. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery that lasted around six hours. Doctors reported that a 2.5-inch piece of the knife had lodged in Saif's back. Despite the severity of his injuries, Saif was discharged from the hospital on January 20, after just four days of treatment, raising questions regarding the speed of his recovery.
Rane also took the opportunity to criticize the growing presence of Bangladeshi immigrants in Mumbai, making a direct reference to the stabbing incident. “Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They entered Saif Ali Khan's house. Earlier, they used to stand at the crossings of roads, now they have started entering houses,” Rane said, reflecting concerns about the activities of foreign nationals in the city. His remarks also targeted the larger issue of crime and immigration in Mumbai.
In addition, Rane expressed frustration over what he perceived as a selective focus on incidents involving Muslim Bollywood actors. He questioned why there wasn’t similar attention when Hindu actors like Sushant Singh Rajput faced personal crises. "When a Hindu actor like Sushant Singh Rajput is tortured, no one comes forward to say anything," Rane said, implying a disparity in public concern based on religion. He specifically criticized certain political figures, claiming that they only expressed concern for Muslim actors, while ignoring the struggles of Hindu artists.
The police quickly apprehended Shehzad, who attempted to flee to his home country of Bangladesh after the attack. Shehzad was arrested at the Hiranandani Estate in Thane while attempting to escape, and authorities are investigating his background and motives. The police suspect Shehzad's intent was to rob the actor, though the exact reasons behind the attack are still under investigation. The case continues to unfold, with further details expected as authorities look into the assailant's connections and potential plans to flee the country.
The speed of Saif Ali Khan’s recovery has also been questioned, with some experts citing the seriousness of the injuries. Despite the severity of the wounds and the extensive surgery required, Saif appeared healthy upon discharge, waving to the paparazzi as he left the hospital. This rapid recovery, combined with Rane's comments, has generated widespread debate regarding the circumstances of the attack and the actor's recovery process.