Attack on Saif Ali Khan exposes safety concerns in Maharashtra, say opposition leaders

Attack on Saif Ali Khan exposes safety concerns in Maharashtra, say opposition leaders

Opposition leaders criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, stating that the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan by an intruder underscores the increasing insecurity in the state and the failure to maintain law and order.

"No one is safe. Let alone ordinary people, even celebrities who have their own security are not safe," said Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.

Raut pointed out that Saif Ali Khan, a Padma Shri recipient, had recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi with his family.

Police in the state are mostly deployed for the security of politicians, "especially those who defect", Raut said, adding, "There is no fear of law. The government stands exposed." Speaking to PTI Video, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said the law and order situation has deteriorated in the state, and the incidents in Beed -- where a village sarpanch was brutally killed for allegedly thwarting an attempt to extort money from an energy firm -- showed that the administration is working for anti-social elements.

The Congress leader stated that if high-profile actors like Saif Ali Khan and Salman Khan, who reside in high-security areas, are being attacked and forced to install bullet-proof windows, it reflects a lack of trust in the government.

A bullet-proof glass panel was recently installed outside the balcony of Salman Khan's Bandra flat after two members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang opened fire outside his residence last April.

"If such big people are not safe, what about common people? Even the hometown of Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis has witnessed many murders and rapes in last ten days," he said, referring to Nagpur.

Chief Minister Fadnavis also holds the home portfolio.

"It clearly indicates that Fadnavis has completely failed in maintaining law and order in Maharashtra," Londhe said.

NCP (SP) Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule expressed concern over the attack on Khan, terming the incident as "worrisome".

Another NCP (SP) leader and former home minister Anil Deshmukh said an attack on a big star like Saif Ali Khan was very unfortunate, and the police department should take strict action.

It is the responsibility of the government to provide an environment free from fear for artistes, he said.

(With Inputs: PTI)