The Mumbai Police have arrested the accused who stabbed Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, during an alleged burglary attempt on January 16. The man has been identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad. He was arrested from a labour camp in Thane early on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, who previously worked with a housekeeping agency in Thane, has confessed to the crime.
Attacker’s Arrest and Background
Shehzad was apprehended at a metro construction site near Hiranandani Estate in Thane. According to the Mumbai Police, the accused entered Saif Ali Khan’s home with the intent to burgle.
A senior Mumbai Police official revealed, “Documents seized from Islam indicate that he is a Bangladeshi national and illegally entered India. He entered India five-six months ago and then reached Mumbai.” Police investigations further revealed that Shehzad had been operating under multiple aliases, including Bijoy Das, Vijay Das, Mohammad Illyas, and BJ.
How Mumbai Police tracked Saif Ali Khan’s attacker
The arrest followed an intensive manhunt, with the Mumbai Police forming teams to track the attacker. Posters of Shehzad, captured on CCTV climbing down the stairs of Saif’s home, were circulated across Mumbai and neighboring areas.
CCTV footage also placed the suspect at Dadar railway station after the incident. A separate lead took the police to Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, where a suspect was detained but later found to be unrelated to the case.
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The chilling attack unfolded in the early hours of Thursday. The assailant reportedly entered the room of Saif’s younger son, Jehangir (Jeh), where he was spotted by the house help. The commotion alerted the family, and Saif Ali Khan, along with Kareena Kapoor Khan, rushed to Jeh’s room. In the ensuing scuffle, Saif sustained multiple stab injuries, including on his neck and near the spine.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, in her statement to the police, mentioned that the intruder displayed aggressive behavior but did not attempt to steal the openly placed jewelry. Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an autorickshaw, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Saif Ali Khan’s Health Update
Doctors treating the 54-year-old actor have assured fans of his steady recovery. Neurosurgeon Dr. Nitin Dange stated, “We are observing his progress, and he is doing well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest, and if he is comfortable, we will discharge him in two to three days.” Saif has been moved from the ICU to the general ward and is reportedly walking and following a normal diet.