Police in Mumbai have arrested a man in connection with the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, media reports confirm.
Khan was stabbed during a confrontation with an unidentified individual at his Bandra home on Thursday morning. The actor is now recovering after surgery.
Authorities have retrieved CCTV footage from Khan’s residence, and preliminary reports suggest the attack may have been part of a theft attempt. It remains unclear if the detained man was the intruder.
The BBC obtained a statement from Eliyama Philip, a nurse at Khan’s home, who described the incident.
Philip said she saw a shadow near the bathroom door late at night while in the child’s room with the nanny.
A man appeared holding a wooden object and a blade, demanding 10 million rupees (£94,511). A struggle ensued, injuring Philip while the nanny escaped.
Khan and his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor, intervened upon hearing the commotion. When Khan confronted the attacker, the man struck him with the blade before fleeing.
Khan sustained multiple injuries, including one to the back of his neck.
Dr Nitin Dange of Lilavati Hospital reported that Khan arrived with bleeding from his spine and a knife fragment embedded in the wound. The fragment was removed surgically, and doctors controlled the fluid leakage, preventing serious spinal damage.
Dr Dange confirmed on Friday that Khan is “better now” and has been moved out of the ICU. “He must rest with restricted movement for a week,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gadam revealed that the weapon had not been found.
“The accused used the fire escape ladder to enter. We are investigating how access to the house was gained,” he said.
Khan, 54, is a celebrated actor and producer known for his quick wit and roles in critically acclaimed films like Omkara (2006). He has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2010.
Khan is the son of former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore.
