NEW DELHI: A 30-year-old man accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was arrested in Thane on Sunday by Mumbai Police. The accused, identified as Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a Bangladeshi national, reportedly evaded capture by sleeping at a bus stop after the attack and changing his clothes multiple times to blend in, according to police officials.
The attack occurred on January 16, when Shehzad allegedly broke into Khan’s residence in the Satguru Sharan building in Bandra with the intention of robbing the actor. During the attack, Khan, 54, sustained multiple stab wounds and required five hours of surgery at Lilavati Hospital.
Following the incident, Shehzad traveled across various locations in Mumbai, including Bandra, Dadar, and Worli, before eventually heading to Thane. Police later discovered that Shehzad had taken significant steps to avoid detection, including switching his clothes, but he was tracked down due to a distinctive backpack visible in CCTV footage from the crime scene.
Using the backpack as a key clue, police analyzed a wide range of surveillance footage and digital records, eventually identifying Shehzad’s movements. Despite initial challenges, investigators were able to confirm his whereabouts through online transactions he made while on the run.
Shehzad, who previously worked at a pub in Worli, had reportedly stayed at the pub’s premises before seeking employment from a contractor the next day. The contractor provided police with Shehzad’s mobile number, which became a critical lead in locating him.
The accused has been remanded in police custody for five days, with authorities considering the possibility of an international conspiracy. Shehzad faces charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including robbery with intent to cause grievous harm, house-breaking, and violations under the Passport Act.