Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who suffered critical injuries after being attacked by an intruder at his Bandra residence, is steadily recovering after undergoing emergency surgeries, Lilavati hospital authorities said Thursday.
“Khan’s injuries, while severe, were expertly managed by our team. He is currently in the ICU and recovering steadily. We anticipate shifting him to the general ward within a day or two,” Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, said.
An unidentified intruder assaulted Khan early Thursday, leaving a three-inch knife piece lodged dangerously close to his thoracic spine. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital where a team of specialists successfully removed the knife in a complex neurosurgical procedure.
Dr Uttamani said that the actor was brought in at 3:00 am by his son Ibrahim Ali Khan along with their caretaker.
Khan had sustained six stab wounds during the attack, including two deep cuts on his back, with one dangerously close to his spine.
The most urgent concern was the the knife piece embedded near Khan’s thoracic spine, which posed significant risks of spinal damage and other complications. Dr. Nitin Dange, Consultant Neurosurgeon, led the critical procedure.
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“The knife piece caused significant trauma, including a leak in the spinal fluid. Our priority was to carefully remove the foreign object without causing further damage and to repair the spinal injury to ensure long-term recovery,” Dr Dange said.
Alongside the neurosurgery, the hospital’s plastic surgery team, led by Dr. Leena Jain, repaired the other wounds. These included a deep cut on Khan’s left hand and another on the right side of his neck.
“Given the nature of these sharp-object injuries, meticulous tissue repair and suturing were necessary to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of scarring,” Dr. Jain stated.
Throughout the procedures, cardiologist Dr. Srinivas Kudwa monitored Khan’s vitals to ensure he remained stable under anesthesia, highlighting the collaborative effort of the multidisciplinary medical team.
Mumbai police have launched an investigation into the attack, analysing CCTV footage and recording statements of the staff to identify the assailant.
Preliminary findings suggest the attacker may have gained access to the building before the assault, as no external entry was recorded in the hours leading up to the incident. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
