Mumbai, January 18: The Shiv Sena UBT’s mouthpiece, Saamana has on Saturday expressed grave concerns in its editorial regarding the recent violent assault on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan.
The editorial described the attack as not only shocking but also deeply mysterious, highlighting the growing insecurity in Mumbai and the deteriorating law and order situation in the financial capital of India.
The attack on Saif, a Padma Shri awardee, who is also the son of cricket legend Mansoor Ali Pataudi and renowned actress Sharmila Tagore, has raised significant alarm. The editorial questioned the audacity of the attacker, who managed to breach the security arrangements before fleeing the scene, further deepening the mystery surrounding the incident.
The piece also cast doubt on the efficiency of the Mumbai Police, often regarded as one of the best in the country, drawing comparisons to Scotland Yard. The editorial pointed out that the recent incident has added to the growing concerns over Mumbai’s safety, as the Opposition has voiced serious questions about the city's law enforcement. In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed these concerns, urging against the defamation of Mumbai, assuring that the police are actively investigating the case.
However, Saamana criticized Fadnavis for turning a blind eye to other incidents that have plagued the city. The editorial referred to instances where individuals involved in criminal activities received unwarranted support from political leaders. For example, an accused in a bank fraud case was seen celebrating with Fadnavis at his bungalow, and there was little accountability when political figures seemed to ignore rising criminal activity.
The editorial also referenced other disturbing incidents, including the murder of Baba Siddique, rising cases of sexual harassment, and gang violence in cities like Pune and Nagpur, urging Fadnavis to take action to ensure public safety. Saamana pointed out that while these crimes go unnoticed, the attack on Saif, due to his celebrity status, has drawn widespread attention and concern.
The article raised further questions about whether the attack on Saif was an attempt to intimidate the film industry or a result of personal motives. The piece referenced political attacks on Saif by BJP leaders, especially concerning the topic of 'love jihad,' which shifted after Prime Minister Modi’s positive interactions with the actor and his family just weeks before the assault.
The editorial also claimed that the Mumbai Police force is overburdened and inefficient, with many officers assigned to protect politicians and VIPs, leaving them little time or resources to safeguard the city. This situation, according to Saamana, is exacerbated by the political influence over police appointments, which prioritizes loyalty to the BJP over professional merit.
