A hospital boss has hailed Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan as a “real hero” after he was stabbed multiple times in an attempted robbery.
Khan was stabbed six times in the attack at his home in an upscale neighbourhood in Mumbai, in the early hours of Thursday, with Indian media outlets reporting that a suspect has now been detained.
He underwent emergency surgery and is now out of danger, doctors said, after they reportedly had to remove a 2.5in shard of blade from his spine.
Dr Niraj Uttamani, of Lilavati Hospital, reportedly said Khan walked into hospital despite his injuries “like a lion”, accompanied by his son.
“He was soaked in blood when he arrived in the hospital,” he added, according to NDTV.
“But he walked in like a lion. He is a real hero.
“He is very fortunate. If a knife was 2mm deeper, he would have sustained a serious injury.”
After a manhunt across the city, one person was detained, TV channels reported on Friday, adding it was not clear if they were the attacker.
Videos circulating online showed officers escorting a man into a police station in Mumbai.
However, later reports in an Indian newspaper contradicted this and cited police as saying that the assailant remained at large and no arrests had yet been made.
The attack on Khan, one of Bollywood’s best-known actors, shocked the film industry and led to many calling for better policing and security.
Mr Gedam said police received reports of an attack around 3am, and the suspected attacker entered the home from a fire escape and got entry to the stairs.
Police said it appeared the attacker was related to a member of staff who worked at Khan’s home – who allowed them entry into the property.
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Khan, the son of former India cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, has starred in more than 70 films and television series, some as a producer.
He lives in an apartment in the western suburb of Bandra with his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their children.
Representatives for Ms Khan said in a statement that the rest of the family were uninjured in the incident.
Ariyama Phillips, who works at the home and raised the alarm, was also injured when the actor challenged the intruder.
Source : Sky News