In a shocking incident, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was assaulted at his Bandra residence in the early hours of Tuesday. The intruder with a stick and a bladed weapon inflicted injuries even on the house help of Kareena Kapoor Khan and on the other nurse of the house, during the altercation. The terrifying experience began when the intruder tried to get into the room of the couple’s youngest child, Jehangir (4), before being stopped by the maid.
Details of the Incident
The robbery took place at Saif and Kareena’s house in the ‘Satguru Sharan’ building.1999. According to the complaint filed by Eliyama Philip, a 56 year old house help, the trouble started around 2 a.m. on February 15.
Philip recounted putting Jehangir, fondly known as Jeh, to bed at 11 p.m. before retiring for the night. However, she was awakened by strange noises and noticed the bathroom door ajar with its lights on. She first attributed her discomfort to Jeh having been checked by Kareena, and then put it aside until she saw a stranger walk out of the bathroom.
The intruder, who carried a stick in one hand and a blade-like weapon in the other, gestured for her to stay quiet and headed toward Jeh’s bedroom. Jeh’s nanny, Junu, also got up and was also warned. As Philip confronted him, the man lashed out, injuring her with the blade.
Pressed about his plan, the robber demanded ₹1crore. At this point, Kareena and Saif arrived at the scene, and Saif questioned the man. To this, the intruder launched an assault on the actor and seriously injured him during the fight. Immediately, another nurse, Geeta, was also injured while before staff could board the room and barricade it, so as to evacuate upstairs for safety.
By the time other staff members woke up and returned to the room, the intruder had escaped.
Aftermath of the Attack
Saif Ali Khan sustained several injuries and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he is currently recovering. Both Philip and Geeta also required medical attention for their injuries. The shocking incident has left the household shaken.
Police Investigation Underway
Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams to apprehend the suspect, described as a young man seen fleeing the scene. Investigators are using a network of informants and examining CCTV footage in order to find him.
The footage, recorded at 2: 33 a.m., shows the suspect wearing a brown collared T-shirt and a red scarf (or gamcha), descending the stairs from the sixth floor of the building. Saif and Kareena’s residence is on the 12th floor.
Authorities suspect the incident was a burglary attempt gone wrong, though the precise motives remain under investigation.
Heightened Security Measures
This event has also sparked fears for the security of VIPs in Mumbai. Residents of the upscale ‘Satguru Sharan’ building are also alarmed by the apparent ease with which the intruder gained access to the premises.
Mumbai Police have given a assurance that they are not sparing any stone to find the accused. There has been a deployment of new security personnel to the location and preventive actions have been taken to prepare for future occurrences.
Statement from the Family
Neither Saif Ali Khan nor Kareena Kapoor Khan have made a statement so far about the incident. On the other hand, sources to the family have been thankful for the rapid response of the household personnel who may have avoided a worse result (i.e.
Impact on the Film Industry
The news of the attack has been a big jolt to the Bollywood fraternity. Concerns have been voiced by both fans and industry associates about Saif Ali Khan’s condition and there has been many (who are) expressing well wishes on social media with a desire for a speedy recovery.
With investigative efforts leading onward, the matter is a sobering reminder that even the most public individuals are susceptible to the potential of vulnerability and developments in urban residential environments call for effective security measures.
