Key Takeaways:

• Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times during an intrusion at his home in Mumbai early Thursday morning.
• He is currently recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a knife lodged close to his spine.
• The incident has raised significant concerns about safety in Mumbai, particularly for high-profile individuals.
• Police are currently searching for the unidentified intruder who fled the scene after the attack.
• Reactions from Bollywood and political figures highlight a pressing need for improved security measures in the city.

MUMBAI, India (Reuters, The Guardian) — Renowned Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, aged 54, is recovering in the hospital after being viciously stabbed multiple times during what authorities are calling an attempted burglary at his residence in Mumbai. Early reports indicate that an intruder entered his home around 2:30 a.m., leading to a confrontation that resulted in six stab wounds, with two of them deemed particularly deep, one dangerously close to his spine.

Khan was promptly rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent a successful surgery. Medical officials have confirmed that he is currently in stable condition and said, “Fortunately, while his injuries were serious, they were managed effectively.” Hospital COO Niraj Uttamani noted that Khan will remain under observation but is expected to recover fully.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern regarding security in Mumbai, especially following comments from political figures like Clyde Crasto of the Nationalist Congress Party, who remarked, “If even high-profile personalities with security are not safe, what can common citizens expect?” This sentiment was echoed by fellow actors and public figures calling for enhanced safety measures in Mumbai, particularly in affluent areas like Bandra.

A police investigation is underway as officials search for the perpetrator, who managed to escape the scene. Initial findings suggest that the attacker may have gained entry through a fire escape, raising questions about the safety protocols in the neighborhood. A female employee of Khan’s household also sustained injuries during the altercation, but her condition is reported stable.

Following the incident, Khan's wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, expressed gratitude for the concern surrounding her family and requested the media to give them privacy as they navigate this challenging time. Social media has been flooded with messages of support and prayers for Khan's speedy recovery, underscoring his status as one of Bollywood's most cherished actors.

As the investigation continues, the high-profile nature of this attack on a beloved figure like Khan has ignited a larger discourse on safety, security, and social responsibility within the city. As this story develops, many are hopeful for both justice for Khan and an improvement in public safety measures.

For more details on this incident, you can follow the original reports from AP News, CNN, and CBS News.