January 16, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed claims that Mumbai is unsafe following a burglary attempt and stabbing incident involving actor Saif Ali Khan. Speaking to reporters after attending a special screening of the movie Emergency, Fadnavis said, "Among all the megacities in the country, Mumbai is the safest. It is true that some incidents take place sometimes and they should be treated with seriousness, but to say, based on one incident, that Mumbai is unsafe would not be correct. This tarnishes Mumbai's image. But the government is working to make Mumbai even safer."

The comments came after Saif Ali Khan was attacked in a burglary attempt at his Bandra home early Thursday morning. The actor sustained six stab wounds but is reportedly out of danger. The incident has sparked criticism of the state government, particularly from opposition leaders and some members of the film industry.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi was among the first to criticize the government, questioning the safety of Mumbai's residents if even celebrities are at risk. "What a shame that Mumbai sees another high-profile attempt on life," she posted on X (formerly Twitter). She also cited previous high-profile incidents, including the October 2024 murder of former minister Baba Siddique and the firing outside Salman Khan's home in April, both of which occurred in Bandra.

Chaturvedi further alleged that such incidents indicate a deliberate attempt to undermine Mumbai by targeting prominent figures.

While acknowledging the unfortunate nature of the attack, Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, emphasized that isolated incidents should not define the city's overall safety. "The government is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents, including the rich and famous who call Mumbai home," he added.

The incident has reignited debates on law and order in Mumbai, with citizens and officials alike demanding stricter measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.