Saif Ali Khan Assault Case: Arrest of Suspect Shahzad; Possible Bangladeshi Origin, Claims Mumbai Police

Mumbai, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Mumbai Police announced on Sunday that a suspect named Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad has been apprehended in connection with the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Authorities suggest he may have origins in Bangladesh.

Dikshit Gedam, DCP of the Crime Branch in Mumbai, stated during a press briefing, "We have preliminary evidence indicating that the accused is likely a Bangladeshi national. He lacks valid Indian documentation. Some items seized imply that he is a Bangladeshi citizen..."

On January 16, at approximately 2 a.m., Saif Ali Khan was assaulted at his home.

"An FIR has been lodged, and one suspect has been taken into custody. His name is Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, aged 30. He entered the residence with the intent to commit robbery. He will be presented in court, and we will seek his remand," noted the DCP.

Further inquiries will ensue.

"We suspect he is of Bangladeshi descent..." the DCP remarked.

He further elaborated, "The suspect arrived in Mumbai around 5 to 6 months ago. After living in various locations, he came to Mumbai just 15 days prior. He was using Vijay Das as a pseudonym."

"He was employed at a housekeeping agency. After entering India illegally, he altered his name," stated the DCP.

The suspect was apprehended near Hiranandani Estate in Kasarvadavali, roughly 35 kilometers from Saif's residence. He initially claimed his name was Vijay Das, but further questioning revealed his true identity.

He had changed his name out of fear of arrest.

The Mumbai Police's operation leading to the arrest was a collaborative effort between DCP Zone-6 Navnath Dhavale's team and the Kasarvadavali police at a labor camp located behind the TCS Call Center in Hiranandani Estate, Thane West.

Saif Ali Khan sustained six stab wounds while confronting the intruder, who broke into his residence in Bandra early on Thursday with robbery in mind.

The assailant fled the scene, and Saif was rushed to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent several surgeries.

Fortunately, Saif Ali Khan is reported to be out of danger and is recuperating in the hospital.

The primary suspect was previously employed at a pub in Mumbai. Following his arrest, police will present him before the court later on Sunday for a remand request, according to the Mumbai crime branch.

The Mumbai Police disclosed that the suspect had several aliases, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammad Ilyas, as reported by the media.

The assailant was captured on CCTV footage from the Satguru Sharan building, home to Saif Ali Khan and his family.

DCP Zone-9 Dikshit Gedam revealed that the attacker accessed Saif's 12th-floor apartment via the staircase.

Saif Ali Khan's household staff, Eliyamma Philips alias Lima, was present during the incident and was the first to spot the intruder. She attempted to stop him, resulting in injuries to her hand.

Upon hearing Lima's screams, Saif Ali Khan emerged from his room and engaged in a struggle with the suspect, who stabbed him approximately six times before fleeing.

In her statement to the Mumbai Police, Lima described the attacker as a slim, dark-complexioned man in his late thirties, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall.

Nearly six hours post-incident, the suspect was seen on CCTV purchasing headphones at a store in Dadar while wearing a blue shirt around 9 a.m. on Thursday. Earlier, he was also spotted at Bandra railway station, from where he is believed to have taken a train.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan's wife, informed the police that the assailant became "very aggressive" during the altercation and repeatedly stabbed Saif. However, she noted that he did not touch any of the jewelry left out in the open.

Saif Ali Khan was severely injured in the confrontation with the intruder at his residence. He was admitted to the hospital with six stab wounds, including two deep injuries on his left hand and neck, and underwent multiple surgeries. He was reported to be "out of danger" and was moved to the intensive care unit for observation.

On Friday, Niraj Uttamani, the chief operating officer of the hospital, informed reporters that Saif had been transferred to a special room and was on the mend.

"He is in good spirits. In fact, we anticipate a discharge in the next two to three days," he added.

Doctors commended Saif Ali Khan's bravery and mentioned that visitor access was restricted to ensure he receives adequate rest.