Man detained over knife attack on Bollywood actor

According to media reports, Mumbai police in India have detained a man in connection with the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. The attack occurred on Thursday morning when Khan had a confrontation with an unidentified man at his residence, resulting in injuries. Khan has since undergone surgery and is recovering.

Police have obtained CCTV footage from Khan's residence in Bandra, an upscale neighborhood in Mumbai. Initial reports suggest that the motive for the attack may have been theft. It is currently unclear whether the detained man is the attacker. The BBC has obtained a statement given to police by a nurse who works in Khan's home, detailing the events of the night.

Eliyama Philip, the nurse who cares for Khan's son, stated that she noticed a man near the bathroom door late at night while in the child's room with the nanny. Ms. Philip said the man appeared with a wooden object and a long knife, warning them not to make any noise. He demanded 10 million rupees (approximately $115,477 USD or £94,511 GBP). A struggle ensued, during which Ms. Philip was injured, and the nanny fled the room.

According to the nurse's statement, Khan and his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor, arrived in the room after hearing the commotion. She said the attacker confronted Khan and stabbed him with a knife before fleeing the residence. Khan sustained multiple injuries in the attack, including one to the back of his neck. Dr. Nitin Dange of Lilavati Hospital stated that Khan arrived at the hospital with bleeding in his spine and a fragment of a blade embedded in it. Doctors surgically removed the fragment and controlled the fluid leakage. The doctor stated that timely treatment prevented severe spinal damage.

Dr. Dange stated on Friday that Khan's condition was "better now." "We made him walk, and he is walking well. Looking at his vitals, wounds, and other injuries, he is safe to be moved out of the ICU. He needs some precautions, must rest, and has to restrict his activities for a week." Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gadam said that the weapon used in the attack has not yet been found, and police have registered a case based on the nurse's statement. "The suspect entered using the fire escape," he said. "Investigations are underway to ascertain how the door was opened or how the intruder gained access."

Khan, 54, is also a producer and has starred in numerous films and television series over the years. He is known for his wit and comedic timing. He received widespread acclaim for his role as a villain in the critically acclaimed 2006 film "Omkara." He has received several awards, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2010.

Khan is the son of former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore.