Break-in at Saif Ali Khan’s home: Intruder demanded ₹1 crore, actor ‘out of danger’; expert on coping with trauma

“I immediately got up and went towards his bed. Seeing me, the man signalled me to stay quiet and said, ‘no awaaz (no sound)’. By then, Junu (another nanny) also woke up. The man again threatened, ‘koi awaaz nahi, aur koi bahar bhi nahi aayega’ (don’t make any sound, and nobody will go outside),” she said.

When she inquired what he wanted, he replied, ‘paisa chahiye (I want money)’. When I asked him how much, he responded saying ‘one crore’,” she said.

What followed was a harrowing sequence of events. The intruder injured multiple individuals, including Saif Ali Khan, who sustained wounds while trying to protect his family. The actor’s injuries required surgery, but he is reported to be out of danger. 

Despite successfully locking the attacker in a room, he managed to escape. This incident raises crucial concerns about the psychological aftermath of violent encounters, the recovery process for survivors, and the steps needed to ensure both physical and emotional well-being.

How do traumatic incidents like home invasions impact the mental health of survivors, including adults and children?

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “A home invasion is not just a crime but a deeply traumatic event that can leave lasting emotional scars. The recent break-in at Saif Ali Khan’s residence highlights how such events can have both physical and psychological repercussions. According to a 2016 study in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, nearly 60% of home invasion survivors report PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms, while 30-50% develop chronic anxiety disorders. For children, the effects can be even more severe.” 

She adds, “Research in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests that children exposed to violent break-ins are twice as likely to develop long-term fear responses and sleep disorders. They may struggle with separation anxiety, refuse to sleep alone, or exhibit regressive behaviors such as bedwetting. Adults, too, can experience survivor guilt, especially if they feel they failed to protect their family.”

 

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Most effective coping strategies for individuals dealing with the psychological aftermath of such events

Healing from such trauma requires both psychological and behavioural coping strategies. According to Khangarot, the following coping strategies can prove to be effective:

Trauma Informed Therapy: Use of tools and techniques effective in treating PTSD symptoms by helping survivors reframe negative thoughts and regain a sense of control. CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) are evidence-based methods highly proven to help with the same. 

Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation and sensory grounding (e.g., holding ice cubes or listing objects in a room while one continues to focus on breathing) can help cope with a panic attack. 

Expressive Outlets: Writing, music, and art therapy provides healthy ways to process trauma.