MUMBAI: While the attack on Hindi cinema actor Saif Ali Khan at his home by an intruder shocked the entire film industry and raised questions about the safety of public personalities and common people, the incident took a political turn as the day progressed. The film industry and the Opposition questioned the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra over the law and order situation.

Responding to allegations that claimed Mumbai is no longer safe for anyone, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed everyone to avoid tagging the city as “unsafe” based on a few incidents that can happen in any city. Commenting on actor Saif's incident, Fadnavis said, "Police have given you (media) all the information. They informed you about the likely motive and how the person could have entered."

Fadnavis was speaking to the media in Bandra after attending a special screening of the movie Emergency. “Mumbai is the safest among all the other megacities in the country, and there is no doubt about it. What happened with Saif Ali Khan is a serious matter of concern, but it wouldn’t be right to call Mumbai unsafe. Such statements malign the image of the city. If any such incident happens in the city, we must take it seriously and act accordingly to ensure the safety of Mumbai. The government will take all steps to make Mumbai safer for all,” he said.

When asked about the safety of citizens in the city, Fadnavis said, "Among all the megacities in the country, Mumbai is the safest. It is true that such incidents happen, but they cannot be used to besmirch Mumbai's image. Such incidents should be taken seriously, and the government will take all necessary action." Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said the Opposition was trying to politicize the attack on Khan. The incident was a "theft attempt," and the culprit has been identified and will be nabbed soon, Kadam told a TV channel.

While opposition leaders in Mumbai raised concerns about security in the city, major political parties also highlighted the issue. Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister questioned how an attacker was able to reach the 11th floor of a residential building, saying it shows that Mumbai is "no longer safe." "No one is safe in a city like Mumbai anymore... If someone can go to the 11th floor of a residential building of a big actor and attack him at night, it shows that Mumbai is no longer safe for anyone," Baghel told reporters.

He also criticized the Maharashtra government over the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, who was shot dead in Mumbai in October 2024. "Even Baba Siddiqui was shot dead... This reflects an attitude that prioritizes self-interest over addressing the safety concerns of society," he said.