"Maybe the intruder came to take Saif Ali Khan with him."
Maharashtra cabinet minister Nitesh Rane sparked controversy with remarks questioning the authenticity of Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident.
Speaking at a rally in Alandi, Rane expressed scepticism about the actor’s injuries, citing his active demeanour after being discharged from the hospital.
Rane remarked: “I doubted whether Saif Ali Khan was actually stabbed or just acting.”
He further commented on the public attention such incidents receive.
The minister suggested that attacks on Muslim actors like Saif Ali Khan garner more outrage compared to Hindu actors.
Rane also linked the attack to Bangladeshi migrants, alleging that they were responsible for rising crimes in Mumbai.
He said: “Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They’ve started entering homes.
“Maybe the intruder came to take Saif Ali Khan with him.
“It’s good; garbage should be taken away.”
His comments drew sharp criticism for their derogatory nature, with many accusing the minister of making politically charged statements.
Many claimed that Nitesh Rane’s narrative of blaming migrants for societal issues is polarising public sentiment.
However, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam echoed scepticism about Khan’s quick recovery.
He questioned whether such rapid improvement was due to extraordinary medical advancements or other reasons.
Nirupam remarked: “Many citizens feel the same. How could someone return home jumping and moving just days after being stabbed?”
The incident occurred at Saif Ali Khan’s home during the early hours of January 16, 2025.
Reports indicate that an intruder broke into the actor’s home around 2:30 am.
Khan was helping his family get out of the property and was stabbed when he put himself in between the intruder and his family.
Khan underwent surgery after suffering injuries to his spine, hands and neck.
He was discharged from the hospital merely four days after the attack, despite getting stabbed six times.
The scepticism from political leaders has fuelled debates in the media.
Some have defended Saif Ali Khan’s account while others have echoed the doubts raised.
A user said:
“Give their family a break. Why would they fake something like this?”
Another questioned: “It is a bit strange considering one of the stab wounds was said to be near his spinal cord.”
One commented: “But how could he recover so fast? Even if the attack is legit, it seems they exaggerated it.”
Saif Ali Khan has not yet responded to the controversy surrounding the comments or the doubts surrounding his injury.