Authorities in Mumbai have taken a man into custody following a knife attack on Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan that occurred last week.
Khan, a prominent figure in India’s entertainment industry, was attacked by an intruder at his residence, an incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. He is currently in the process of recovery following his recent surgery.
On Sunday, authorities announced the arrest of the primary suspect, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, noting that he is a Bangladeshi national residing in India without legal authorisation.
The lawyer representing Mr Shehzad has refuted the allegations, asserting that he is not a citizen of Bangladesh.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Mr Shehzad in Thane, a district located on the outskirts of Mumbai.
According to preliminary evidence presented at a press conference, he arrived in the city approximately six months ago. As Dixit Gedam, a deputy commissioner of Mumbai police, stated, he had been employed at a housekeeping agency under a false name and identification.
According to Mr Gedam, authorities believe that Mr Shehzad may have unlawfully entered Khan’s residence to commit theft.
On Sunday, a Mumbai court ordered Mr Shehzad to be held in police custody for five days.
Sandeep Shikhane, the attorney representing the individual, informed reporters that his client was portrayed as a “scapegoat”.
“He stated that there is no documentary evidence to indicate that he is a Bangladeshi citizen.”
The assault on Khan has captured national attention, prompting a broader discussion about safety and security in Mumbai, a city known for its dense population and status as India’s financial hub.
Khan sustained six stab wounds and multiple injuries, including one to the back of his neck, during an assault at his residence in a high-end neighbourhood.
A nurse named Eliyama Philip, employed at Khan’s residence, reported to the police last week that she observed the silhouette of a man near the bathroom door during the late hours of the night while she was in the child’s room alongside the nanny.
Ms Philip reported that a man emerged, gripping a wooden object in one hand and a long blade in the other. He cautioned the two individuals to remain silent. She said he demanded 10 million rupees, equivalent to $115,477 or £94,511.
A confrontation ensued, resulting in injuries to Ms Philip. According to her account, upon hearing the disturbance, Khan and his wife hurried to the room, where the assailant reportedly attacked the actor with a blade before escaping.
On Friday, it was reported that investigators detained and subsequently released at least five individuals for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Several men were apprehended due to their resemblance to the individual identified in CCTV footage as he left the building. A man has been taken into custody in connection with the stabbing of a Bollywood actor.
