Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Defends Mumbai's Safety After Saif Ali Khan's Attack

Mumbai, Jan 16 (NationPress) In response to the attack on actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence in Mumbai, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the city's safety amidst opposition claims of a declining law and order scenario. "The police have provided all relevant information regarding the motive and circumstances of this attack. The facts are clear... Mumbai is safe," he asserted, countering the Opposition's argument that even a Padma Shri awardee is vulnerable in Mumbai due to a lack of police deterrent.

"It is incorrect to label Mumbai as unsafe," stated Fadnavis, who oversees the Home portfolio.

He made these comments while addressing reporters after a special screening of the film 'Emergency', featuring Kangana Ranaut.

Fadnavis remarked: "Among all the major cities in our country, Mumbai stands as the safest. While it is true that occasional incidents occur and they should be taken seriously, it is misleading to claim that Mumbai is unsafe based on a single incident. Such statements damage Mumbai's reputation. However, the government is committed to enhancing the city's safety."

Previously, Aaditya Thackeray, a legislator from Shiv Sena-UBT and former minister, indicated that this incident underscores the deteriorating law and order situation under the BJP-led administration in the state.

“The break-in and knife assault on Saif Ali Khan is alarming. We are relieved to learn that he is stable and recovering, and we hope he returns to normal life soon,” he expressed.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena-UBT MP, claimed that "ordinary citizens are at risk in Maharashtra."

"Homes are being invaded. Thieves are now breaking into the residences of artists and assaulting them... Just 15 days ago, Saif Ali Khan and his family had an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following that, he was attacked. No one in this state is safe."

Priyanka Chaturvedi, another MP from Shiv Sena-UBT, criticized the government, questioning: "If celebrities are not safe, then who is secure in Mumbai?"

In a post on X, Chaturvedi stated: "It is a disgrace that Mumbai experiences another high-profile life-threatening incident; the attack on Saif Ali Khan raises further doubts about the Mumbai Police and the Home Minister.”

Nana Patole, the Congress chief in Maharashtra, remarked: "The vicious assault on the distinguished Padma Shri recipient Saif Ali Khan showcases the evident collapse of law and order in Maharashtra. If such occurrences can transpire in the busy area of Bandra in Mumbai, who truly is secure in the city? Considering the rising crime rates in Mumbai, Pune, Beed, Parbhani, and Nagpur, one must question if there is even a Home Minister in the state. The BJP-led coalition government has permitted lawlessness to prevail, and the attack on Saif Ali Khan is a blatant challenge to the state's law and order by criminals.”