Shariful Fakir, a Bangladeshi national arrested for attacking actor Saif Ali Khan, confessed to the police that he committed the crime due to severe financial hardships and a desperate need to help his ailing mother back in Bangladesh. Fakir revealed that he entered Saif Ali Khan’s residence on the night of the attack with the intention of theft, targeting someone wealthy in the city. He planned to escape to Bangladesh with the stolen loot to fund his mother’s treatment.
On January 16, in the early hours, Fakir stabbed Saif Ali Khan multiple times with a sharp knife. The actor was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an autorickshaw, requiring emergency surgery. Khan sustained several injuries, including a stab wound to his neck and a piece of the knife lodged in his spine, necessitating immediate medical attention.
WHAT THE ATTACKER TOLD POLICE
During the investigation, police revealed that Fakir had randomly chosen Saif Ali Khan’s house. “His sole intention was to steal from someone rich and flee to Bangladesh to support his ailing mother,” an officer said.
Fakir’s financial troubles worsened after losing his job at a housekeeping company in December 2024. The officer noted that Fakir had been working at a restaurant in Thane until its contract with a manpower agency ended. Previously, Fakir had worked at another restaurant in Worli, earning ₹13,000 per month, out of which he sent ₹12,000 to Bangladesh for his mother’s medical expenses. He survived on just ₹1,000 per month in Mumbai.
After losing his second job, Fakir found himself destitute, which pushed him to commit the crime.
HIS ARREST
Fakir was arrested on January 19 at Hiranandani Estate in Thane while attempting to flee to his village in Jhalokati district, Bangladesh. Police apprehended him before he could execute his escape plan.
Following the incident, actor Saif Ali Khan has reportedly sought enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.