CCTV, motive, and escape: Unanswered questions in Saif Ali Khan’s attack

New Delhi: Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan experienced a harrowing encounter on January 16, 2025, when an intruder attacked him at his plush Bandra residence. The 54-year-old actor sustained six stab wounds during the incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an auto-rickshaw, where he underwent multiple surgeries and is now recovering.

The shocking attack has left fans and authorities grappling with unanswered questions about the motive, the intruder’s escape, and security lapses. While the Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams to investigate the case, the mystery surrounding the incident has deepened.

The Night of the Incident

The attack occurred between 2:00 and 2:30 am when an unidentified intruder entered Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra home. The actor was transported to Lilavati Hospital between 3:00 and 3:30 am by a staff member in an auto-rickshaw. According to reports, the intruder entered the room of Saif’s son Jeh, demanded Rs 1 crore (as per Jeh’s nanny), and engaged in a physical altercation with the staff before attacking the actor.

CCTV footage from the building shows the assailant armed with a Hexa blade and a wooden stick. However, questions remain about how the intruder managed to enter and leave the premises. The footage, including cameras installed at the entrance, failed to clearly capture his movements.

CCTV Footage and the Intruder’s Escape

The CCTV footage captured the attacker walking down a staircase after the incident, but it remains unclear how he escaped. Did he flee using a vehicle or hide in the vicinity? These gaps in the footage have raised questions about the security infrastructure of Saif’s residence.

Additionally, authorities are investigating whether the auto-rickshaw driver, who transported Saif to the hospital, holds any relevant information. Over 30 hours since the attack, the assailant has yet to be apprehended.

Police Investigation: What We Know So Far

Mumbai Police have formed 20 teams to track down the attacker. The investigation involves collecting technical data, including mobile phone records active in the area at the time of the incident. Forensic teams, a dog squad, and local police are examining multiple locations in Mumbai to trace the assailant.

Evidence from Saif Ali Khan’s residence has also been collected. The police are scrutinising why the CCTV cameras failed and are searching for potential witnesses who may have observed suspicious activity around the residence.

Unanswered Questions in the Case

Despite ongoing efforts, several key questions remain unanswered:

1. Why did the CCTV cameras fail to capture the intruder’s movements clearly?
2. How did the intruder enter and escape the building undetected?
3. What was the motive behind the attack, and why was Rs 1 crore demanded?
4. Has the auto-rickshaw driver been questioned for possible clues?

As Saif Ali Khan recovers from this shocking incident, the case highlights concerns about celebrity security in Mumbai. While the police continue their investigation, fans and well-wishers across the nation await answers to the many questions surrounding this attack.