Mumbai Police have confirmed that the individual arrested for attacking Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh. The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, reportedly entered the actor’s residence intending to commit theft.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on January 16, during which Khan was stabbed multiple times, sustaining serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. The case was reported by Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse.
Police investigations revealed that the accused is a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh. He was apprehended at Hiranandani Estate in Thane while attempting to flee to his home country. According to the police, Shehzad had been living in Mumbai for five to six months, working for a housekeeping agency, and using multiple aliases, including “Vijay Das.”
“We have preliminary evidence suggesting the accused is a Bangladeshi national. He does not possess valid Indian documents, and some items seized during the investigation indicate his Bangladeshi origin,” said Dixit Gedam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Zone 9.
The accused has been booked under sections 311, 312, 331(4), 331(6), and 331(7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, relevant sections of the Passport Act have been invoked due to his illegal entry into India.
“We will seek police custody to further investigate his background and connections. Prima facie, the accused entered India illegally, changed his name, and operated under multiple aliases while living in and around Mumbai,” added DCP Gedam.
Following the attack, Saif Ali Khan was rushed to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove a 2.5-inch-long blade. The procedure was successful, and the actor has been moved from the ICU to a regular room. Hospital officials confirmed that Khan is “out of danger” but remains under close medical supervision as he recovers.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to uncover additional details about the accused’s activities and possible prior offenses.