Saif Ali Khan Assault Incident: Mumbai Police's Pursuit of Bangladeshi Attacker
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Synopsis
On January 19, 2023, the Mumbai Police arrested Bangladeshi national Shariful Islam Shehzad, who allegedly broke into actor Saif Ali Khan's residence, attacking him during a burglary. The police utilized extensive CCTV footage and local intelligence to track him down.
Key Takeaways
- Shariful Islam Shehzad broke into Saif Ali Khan's home.
- The suspect was living under a false identity.
- Police created 30 teams to apprehend him.
- CCTV footage played a crucial role in the investigation.
- Shehzad claimed ignorance about the burglary.
Mumbai, Jan 19 (NationPress) A Bangladeshi national, Shariful Islam Shehzad, had unlawfully entered India and was residing under the alias Bijoy Das, as reported by the Mumbai Police on Sunday after his arrest for allegedly intruding into actor Saif Ali Khan's home and attacking him during a robbery attempt.
The authorities apprehended Shehzad on Sunday from Thane, Maharashtra.
The police had assembled 30 teams to locate the suspect.
CCTV footage from the Bandra residence of Saif Ali Khan, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, and their children showed the suspect leaving the premises post-attack. The police meticulously reviewed hours of footage throughout the city to pinpoint the suspect.
The suspect's image was captured by a CCTV camera in DN Nagar, Andheri, where he was seen disembarking from a motorbike, which was tracked down using its registration number.
While combing through the CCTV footage, local intelligence reports led the police to a rented place in Koliwada, Worl.
Investigators discovered that the suspect was residing with three other individuals, according to police sources.
A police team visited this residence, interrogating the occupants. They were successful in obtaining the suspect's identity and additional details. The police also acquired his phone number and traced his phone's location, sources revealed.
Sources indicated that the suspect was hiding in a thicket along a deserted road in Thane. The police strategically surrounded him and subsequently took him into custody.
Authorities stated that no Indian identity documents were found on Shehzad, but there was evidence confirming he is a Bangladeshi national who entered India illegally.
During interrogation, he claimed ignorance of breaking into Saif Ali Khan's residence, according to a source.
Sources mentioned that the suspect disclosed he used the rear staircase and air-conditioning ducts to access the building, asserting it was his first time entering.
The police suggested they might recreate the scene with the suspect.
Earlier that day, Dikshit Gedam, DCP of the Mumbai Crime Branch, held a press conference stating, "There is primary evidence to suggest that the accused is a Bangladeshi national. He lacks valid Indian documents. Some items seized indicate his nationality."
He elaborated that on January 16, at 2 a.m., actor Saif Ali Khan was assaulted at his home. "An FIR was filed, and one suspect has been arrested. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, 30 years old. He entered the house with robbery intentions. He will be presented in court, and custody will be requested," the DCP said.
Further investigations are set to continue.
He mentioned, "The accused arrived in Mumbai 5 to 6 months ago. Following that, he lived in various locations and returned to Mumbai 15 days ago. He was using the name Vijay Das as his current alias."
"He was employed at a housekeeping agency. After entering India illegally, he altered his name," the DCP noted.
The suspect initially claimed his name was Vijay Das, but further questioning revealed his true identity.
Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan is reportedly recovering well after being rushed to Lilavati Hospital late Wednesday night with six stab wounds.
