Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: From false leads to arrest – how police caught the attacker in 72 hours

Dubai: Mumbai Police confirmed on Sunday morning that Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, 30, also known as Vijay Das, an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh, was arrested for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan at his Mumbai residence on January 16, 2025, during an attempted burglary.

Shehzad entered the residence with the intent to commit theft. He was arrested on January 19. Khan sustained multiple stab wounds, including injuries to his spine, neck, and hands. He underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry and among Mumbai residents, leading to calls for improved security measures for public figures. Political leaders and celebrities have expressed their concerns, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect individuals in the entertainment industry.

A 72-hour investigation involving multiple police teams led to Shehzad's arrest. CCTV footage showing him leaving the building after the attack initiated the search. Further surveillance, combined with local intelligence, led police to his rented accommodation in Worli. Tracking his phone location ultimately led to his capture in Thane.

In 70 hours and with multiple teams, here's how Mumbai Police apprehended the accused after two misidentifications.

January 16, 2025

• 2:00am: Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra residence during an alleged burglary attempt, sustaining serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine.

• Incident reported: Aleyamma Philip, a 56-year-old staff nurse, filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police.

January 16–18, 2025

• CCTV Analysis: Mumbai Police reviewed building footage, identifying a suspect leaving the premises post-attack.

• Tracking movements: Additional footage from DN Nagar in Andheri captured the suspect dismounting a bike, which was later traced using its registration number.

• Local intelligence: The investigation team received tips about the suspect's hideout in Koliwada, Worli.

January 19, 2025

• Arrest: The accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested in Thane after police surrounded his hiding spot on a deserted road near Hiranandani Estate.

• Identity confirmation: Shehzad, who had entered India illegally under the alias Vijay Das, was found to be a 30-year-old from the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh.

Key investigation findings:

• Entry method: The accused admitted to using the building’s rear staircase and air-conditioning ducts for access.

• Background: Shehzad had been in India for 5–6 months, working for a housekeeping agency while living under a false identity.

• Seized evidence: Police discovered items confirming his Bangladeshi origin, though he possessed no valid Indian documents.

• Escape plan: The accused was reportedly preparing to flee to Bangladesh at the time of his arrest.

Police action

• Multiple investigation teams were formed, and a case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Passport Act.

• DCP Dixit Gedam stated that police custody would be sought to facilitate further investigation and that the crime scene may be recreated with the accused.

'Suspect used multiple names'

"Primary evidence indicates the accused is a Bangladeshi national who illegally entered India and changed his identity to Vijay Das," said DCP Gedam.

• The accused used multiple aliases and moved frequently within Mumbai.

Next steps

• Court Proceedings: The prosecution suggested that Shehzad might be involved in a larger international conspiracy, a claim considered by the magistrate when granting five days of police custody. The defence raised concerns about the legality of the arrest but these were dismissed by the magistrate, citing insufficient justification.

• Defence's argument: Shehzad’s lawyer, Sandeep Shekhane, contested the police's claim that the accused entered India six months ago, asserting that Shehzad has been living in Mumbai with his family for over seven years. "The police have no evidence to prove he is from Bangladesh. Their statement that he arrived here six months ago is incorrect. He has been living here for more than seven years," said Shekhane.

Police are investigating his network and past activities in India.

This case underscores the critical importance of addressing illegal immigration and enhancing security measures for high-profile individuals.