Wrong to brand Mumbai unsafe: Fadnavis on Saif Ali Khan attack case

Hours after Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his home, the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) had a field day blaming the Devendra Fadnavis-led government for the worsening law-and-order situation.

In response, Fadnavis said Mumbai is the safest metropolis in India. 

“Mumbai is the safest metropolis in the country. The incident is serious but it is wrong to brand the city as unsafe. Some incidents happen and we take them seriously,” Fadnavis told reporters. 

Charging the government, the Opposition also referred to the Parbhani incident involving the custodial death of Somnath Suryawanshi (a law student), the murder of Beed sarpanch, the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, and constant threats to Salman Khan.

NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar said he does not have much association with movie personalities, but feels that Mumbai’s law and order is deteriorating.

“This incident is the latest example of it. Recently there was a murder in the same area,” he said, adding that the CM, who is also the home minister, needs to address it.

The law and order situation of Maharashtra has collapsed, said Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut.

“When artists like Saif Ali Khan are attacked, then to what extent is the common public safe,” he said.

Congress leader and Mumbai North Central MP Prof Varsha Gaikwad said, “A popular Padma Shri award-winning actor (Saif Ali Khan) who lives in a high profile society in a safe area like Bandra, someone enters his house and stabs him and leaves. What a horrific incident!

“The law and order situation in Maharashtra is deteriorating day by day. A politician (Baba Siddique) is shot dead in Bandra, an actor’s house is shot at (Salman Khan) and now Saif Ali Khan is attacked. All these attacks have happened near the homes and offices of these people. When such famous people are not safe, how can a common man feel safe?”

Meanwhile, senior NCP (SP) leader Dr Jitendra Awhad said the attack could be a pre-planned conspiracy.