
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing concerns over the recent knife attack on actor Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai, defended the city’s reputation as India’s safest. Speaking to the media on Thursday, he emphasized that isolated incidents should not define Mumbai as unsafe. “Mumbai is the country’s safest city. Some incidents happen, but labeling the city unsafe over one incident would tarnish its image. However, we are taking this matter seriously and probing the motive behind the attack,” Fadnavis stated.
The chief minister also acknowledged the need for increased safety measures, assuring that efforts are being made to enhance security. His remarks came in response to the violent incident in which Khan was repeatedly stabbed by an intruder at his Bandra apartment early Thursday morning. Doctors reported that Khan, who underwent surgery to remove the knife from his back, is now out of danger.
Opposition leaders, however, were quick to criticize the Fadnavis-led government, highlighting lapses in law and order. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar stated, “The attack on Saif Ali Khan shows a deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra. Incidents like these are alarming and demand serious attention from the government, especially the chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed grave concern, remarking, “No one is safe, not even celebrities with private security. This reflects a complete breakdown of law and order.” Raut also alleged that the police were more focused on securing politicians, particularly those who switched parties, than addressing public safety.
Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe echoed similar sentiments, citing the recent killing of a village sarpanch in Beed and the need for celebrities like Salman Khan to install bulletproof windows in their Bandra residences as signs of public distrust in the government. Londhe accused Fadnavis of failing to maintain security in Maharashtra, including his own hometown, Nagpur, which has seen a spate of violent crimes.
The attack on Saif Ali Khan follows a series of high-profile crimes in Mumbai’s Bandra area, including the shooting of former minister Baba Siddique last year. Critics argue these incidents highlight systemic issues in maintaining law and order.
Adding to the political backlash, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule called the attack “worrisome,” while former home minister Anil Deshmukh demanded strict action from the police and reinforced the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of artists.
Meanwhile, celebrations turned somber for Khan, who had recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and attended a special screening of Kangana Ranaut’s directorial film Emergency before the incident. The attack on the Padma Shri recipient has intensified calls for improved security measures, not only for public figures but for the common citizens of Mumbai.