Synopsis
The stabbing case of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has sparked controversy over insurance claim processes, prompting the Association of Medical Consultants Mumbai to question preferential treatment given to celebrities by insurers.Key Takeaways
- Saif Ali Khan was stabbed while defending a house help.
- The Association of Medical Consultants Mumbai raised concerns over insurance claims.
- Niva Bupa approved a large claim quickly.
- Normal procedures were bypassed due to celebrity status.
- Investigations are ongoing after the arrest of a suspect.
Mumbai, Jan 26 (NationPress) The stabbing incident involving Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan continues to evolve daily. What initially appeared to be an act of bravery by the actor and Bhajan Lal Singh Rana, the auto-rickshaw driver who rushed him to the hospital, is now transforming into a controversy. The Association of Medical Consultants Mumbai has intervened, questioning the insurance claim disbursement process.
The association has reached out to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), expressing concerns about the expedited approval of claims related to a prominent celebrity.
In their correspondence, they queried why Saif Ali Khan received preferential treatment. The letter highlighted that the insurance provider Niva Bupa approved Rs 25 lacs within mere hours for his treatment at Lilavati Hospital.
Health insurance expert Nikhil Jha took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the letter from the Medical Consultants Mumbai.
He noted, “Typically, a copy of the FIR is required in medicolegal cases. However, the insurance company waived this requirement and swiftly approved the cashless request for Rs 25 lacs. The final bill, reportedly Rs 36 lacs, was also sanctioned. The duration of surgery and a four-day hospital stay do not seem to justify such a large bill or the rapid approval.”
He further added, “Had this been an ordinary individual, the company would have adhered to reasonable and customary charges, making it challenging to receive a claim. The IRDAI must clarify why Niva Bupa granted preferential treatment to a celebrity while complicating the process for regular individuals.”
The actor was attacked multiple times while attempting to thwart a burglar during the early hours of Thursday. He suffered six stab wounds, two of which are reported to be critical due to their proximity to his spine. The incident unfolded around 2:15 am when a burglar allegedly broke into their Bandra residence, assaulting the house help before attacking Saif as he intervened.
Saif was alerted by the disturbance in his son Jeh’s room. Upon entering, he found the intruder arguing with the house help and bravely intervened to defend them with his bare hands.
The Mumbai Police have apprehended an individual believed to be a Bangladeshi national in connection with the incident, and investigations are currently underway.