Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has sparked controversy with his comments about the stabbing incident involving Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, calling into question whether the actor’s injury was genuine or if he was merely acting. Speaking at a rally in Alandi, Rane raised doubts over the actor’s injury during the attempted robbery at Khan’s Bandra residence.
Doubts Over the Incident
At the Hindu Mahotsav rally, Rane expressed skepticism about the severity of Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing, stating, “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.” He further questioned the media’s attention toward the incident, remarking that whenever prominent Khan actors like Shah Rukh Khan or Saif Ali Khan are involved, the public immediately reacts. Rane’s comments suggested that the media and public interest were disproportionate, attributing it to Khan’s celebrity status.
Controversial Remarks
In his speech, Rane referred to Saif Ali Khan as “garbage” and suggested that the Bangladeshi intruder who attacked the actor had done society a favor by targeting him. Rane remarked, “Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They entered Saif Ali Khan’s house… Maybe he came to take him (Saif) away. It is good, garbage should be taken away.”
The BJP MLA also drew a comparison with Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death, claiming that there was little support for Hindu actors. He criticized the lack of action from prominent political leaders when Hindu actors face adversity, suggesting that the public outcry over Khan’s incident was driven by religious bias.
Saif Ali Khan’s Attack
Saif Ali Khan was attacked on January 16 by Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a Bangladeshi national, during an attempted robbery at his Mumbai residence. The actor was stabbed multiple times but managed to survive after undergoing surgery. Despite the trauma, Khan was discharged from the hospital and returned home within five days.
Political Reactions
Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, responded to Rane’s remarks, stating, “I have no idea what Nitesh Rane said…When I meet him, I will ask him about it. I will ask the police department if there are any doubts.” Pawar acknowledged the questions raised about Saif Ali Khan’s recovery but suggested that the focus should remain on the incident.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also raised questions about Khan’s quick recovery, suggesting that many people were curious about the speed of his healing. Nirupam questioned, “Has the medical sector advanced so much, that just four days later, Saif Ali Khan returned home jumping and moving?”
Conclusion
Nitesh Rane’s controversial remarks about the Saif Ali Khan stabbing incident have sparked a debate over the celebrity status of actors, media biases, and the treatment of Hindu and Muslim celebrities. With several political figures weighing in, this ongoing controversy continues to divide opinions in Maharashtra.
