Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has stirred controversy with his remarks about the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.
Speaking at a public event in Pune, the BJP leader questioned the authenticity of the attack, suggesting that Saif might have been acting. Rane said, "I doubted whether he had been stabbed or he was acting."
He further commented on the alleged involvement of illegal immigrants, stating, "Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They entered Saif Ali Khan's house. Earlier they used to stand at the crossings of the roads, now they have started entering houses. Maybe he came to take him (Saif) away. It is good, garbage should be taken away. I saw when he came out of the hospital, I doubted whether he had been stabbed or he was acting. He was dancing while walking."
Rane also targeted NCP leaders Supriya Sule and Jitendra Awhad, accusing them of selective concern.
He remarked, "Whenever any Khan like Shahrukh Khan or Saif Ali Khan gets hurt, everyone starts talking about it. When a Hindu actor like Sushant Singh Rajput is tortured, no one comes forward to say anything... That Mumbra's Jeetuddin (Jitendra Awhad) and Baramati's Tai (Supriya Sule) did not come forward to say anything... They are only worried about Saif Ali Khan, Shah Rukh Khan's son and Nawab Malik... Have you ever seen them worrying about any Hindu artist...? You guys should pay attention to all these things."
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also cast doubts on the incident, urging Saif’s family to provide clarity.
"The family should come forward and disclose this because, after this incident, such an atmosphere was created in Mumbai that the law and order of Mumbai has collapsed, the Home Ministry has failed, the Maharashtra government has been ruined, and every citizen in Mumbai is unsafe. The way Saif came out (of the hospital), it seems as if nothing happened four days ago... I want to ask the doctors, can a person whose operation lasted for six hours come out in such good shape within four days?" Nirupam said.
However, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar dismissed these statements, stating they were personal opinions. He emphasized that the police had thoroughly investigated the case.
"I have no idea about what Nitesh Rane said. When I meet him, I will ask him about it. Look, you people are also journalists. If someone has a different opinion about something, that’s his own choice. If he has something in his mind, he should tell the police. I will also ask the police department if there are any doubts. But in reality, the accused has already been arrested. He came to Mumbai and wanted to go back to Bangladesh. For that, he needed 50,000 rupees. But he sought 1 crore from Saif. All these things have already been shared by the police with the media," Pawar said.
The attack on Saif Ali Khan occurred last week when an intruder, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, entered his Bandra residence intending to commit theft. During the confrontation, Saif sustained stab wounds, including one to his thoracic spine. He was promptly taken to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
After being discharged on Tuesday, Saif returned to his home and greeted the media and paparazzi, appearing in good health. The police continue their investigation into the incident.