The Attack on Saif: Alarming and Enigmatic

Mumbai, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena UBT publication Saamana stated in its editorial on Saturday that the brutal assault on Bollywood icon Saif Ali Khan not only highlights the declining law and order situation but also indicates that Mumbai is increasingly becoming unsafe.

“The incident involving the Padma Shri awardee, who is not only a prominent actor but also the son of cricket legend Mansoor Ali Pataudi and celebrated actress Sharmila Tagore, is not merely shocking but also shrouded in mystery.

“Moreover, the way the assailant breached security and fled after attacking Saif Ali Khan adds layers of suspense to the entire situation,” the editorial remarked.

It further questioned the effectiveness of the Mumbai Police, often regarded as one of the finest and frequently compared to Scotland Yard.

In response to the Opposition's serious concerns regarding Mumbai's safety, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis admonished them for defaming the city, assuring that no one would escape justice as the police investigate the matter.

“What is occurring in Mumbai is alarming. An individual accused of bank fraud and other offenses visits Fadnavis' residence and celebrates with him after the MahaYuti's success. Fadnavis even offers him sweets.

“This same criminal boasts about targeting a Marathi individual named Gajabhau, who is vocal on social media, while Fadnavis feigns ignorance of the events.”

“In Beed, residents rally in support of the accused, and the mastermind behind the murder of a local leader, Deshmukh, holds a position in the Cabinet, suggesting a blatant disregard for the law,” the editorial continued.

“The murder of Baba Siddique took place on Mumbai's streets. The Koita gang terrorized residents of Pune. Incidents of sexual harassment have surged in Nagpur. Given all this, doesn’t Fadnavis the home minister feel compelled to take action?” it questioned.

“What transpired in Saif's case is a daily occurrence in Mumbai, but since he is a celebrity and the father of Taimur, the impact of this incident resonates deeply with everyone.

“About two weeks ago, the Kapoor family and Saif met with Prime Minister Modi, who inquired about Taimur. Saif was elated to meet Modi, yet within a fortnight, he was attacked.

“Is someone attempting to instill fear within Mumbai's film industry? Or was the assault on Saif motivated by personal reasons?

“BJP leaders had previously criticized Saif for 'love jihad', but after the Prime Minister personally acknowledged Saif, Kareena, and Taimur, the narrative shifted to a more positive light, with Minister Ashish Shelar visiting Saif in the hospital to remedy the situation. The safety of Taimur and his father is paramount,” the editorial expressed.

“Police appointments in Mumbai seem to prioritize political connections over efficiency. This has led to a precarious situation in the metropolis.

“A significant portion of the Mumbai Police force is dedicated to protecting politicians, leaving them overwhelmed with duties due to the frequent VIP visits. They are deprived of necessary rest and cannot be expected to ensure Mumbai's safety under such circumstances,” it stated.

“For the Mumbai Police to enhance its operations and boost morale, the home minister must eliminate the political undercurrents surrounding him.

“Is Mumbai really secure? It’s time for the citizens to recognize if the safety of Mumbai is merely a gamble,” concluded the editorial from Saamana.