NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra residence on Thursday, leaving him with serious injuries. On Sunday, Mumbai police arrested the suspect, identified as Mohammad Sharif Ul Islam Shehzad, also known by aliases Vijay Das and Mohammed Iliyas. The 30-year-old Bangladeshi national reportedly entered India illegally via the West Bengal border six months ago.
Details of the Arrest
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dikshit Gedam confirmed the arrest, stating, “We have invoked relevant sections under the Indian Passport Act and the Foreigners Act.” Gedam added that the suspect had been staying on the outskirts of Mumbai before reentering the city two weeks prior to the incident.
Investigation Highlights
- Aliases and Movements:
The suspect operated under multiple aliases and had briefly worked for a housekeeping agency in Mumbai before relocating to Thane. He returned to the city 15 days before the attack. Police recovered documents in his possession confirming his Bangladeshi identity. - Burglary or Targeted Attack?
Authorities are investigating whether the incident was a failed burglary or a deliberate assault. Early evidence suggests the suspect may have had prior knowledge of the building’s layout and security lapses, raising questions about his intent. - CCTV Footage and Witness Statements:
CCTV footage proved instrumental in tracking the suspect. It captured him navigating the building and purchasing earphones at a nearby shop. Statements from the actor’s staff and neighbors helped reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the attack.
The Incident
The attack occurred around 2:30 a.m. at Saif Ali Khan’s apartment. The suspect allegedly entered unnoticed, confronting the actor’s son’s nanny, Philip, near the child’s room. According to Philip, the intruder threatened her to remain silent and attacked when she resisted, injuring her hands and wrists.
Saif Ali Khan intervened to protect his family but sustained multiple stab wounds during the struggle. The actor was critically injured, with a 2.5-inch blade lodged in his thoracic spine. His wife, Kareena Kapoor, and a staff member, Geeta, also suffered minor injuries during the commotion.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery to remove the knife shard from his spine. Neurosurgeons also treated deep wounds on his neck and hand, which required plastic surgery.
Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer at Lilavati Hospital, stated, “Saif is stable and recovering well. He has been moved from the ICU to a regular room and remains under observation. We expect a full recovery soon.”
Police Response
Mumbai Police mobilized 20 teams, including officers from the Crime Branch and Bandra Police Station, to investigate. No signs of forced entry were found, indicating the suspect exploited a lapse in security.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, urging enhanced security measures for the actor and his family.
Upcoming Actions
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attack while addressing concerns about security lapses at high-profile residences.
