In a dramatic turn of events, Mumbai Police arrested Shariful Islam Shehzad, the man accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan six times during an attempted burglary. The accused was tracked down after he used UPI to pay for breakfast at a local restaurant, where he was previously employed.
The Incident and Investigation
The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Khan’s residence in Bandra West. Shehzad allegedly sneaked into the high-profile building by scaling an adjacent compound wall and using air-conditioning ducts to reach the actor’s 12th-floor flat. He entered through a bathroom window and was discovered by staff near the bedroom of Khan’s youngest son, Jehangir.
In the altercation that followed, Khan sustained six stab wounds, including a critical injury near his spinal cord. The actor was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an auto-rickshaw, where doctors performed an extensive surgery, removing a two-and-a-half-inch metal shard from his back. Khan is reportedly recovering well.
Manhunt and Capture
Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national residing illegally in India, fled the scene, evading police by moving between Bandra, Dadar, Worli, Andheri, and Thane. Mumbai Police formed 30 teams to track him, analyzing hours of CCTV footage and tracing his phone signals.
A breakthrough came when police spotted Shehzad on CCTV footage in DN Nagar, Andheri, riding a two-wheeler. The trail eventually led them to Thane, where he was arrested near a deserted road after a dramatic chase into a thicket.
Shehzad confessed to using air-conditioning ducts to bypass security and reach the actor’s residence. However, he claims he was unaware it was Khan’s home.
Digital Payment Leads to Arrest
Shehzad’s downfall came when he paid for a paratha using Google Pay at a restaurant where he previously worked. The transaction provided crucial information for the police, who then tracked his movements and made the arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Shehzad has been remanded to police custody for five days. Authorities are investigating whether he had any accomplices within Khan’s household and are working to recover blood-stained clothing that could further link him to the crime.
However, Shehzad’s lawyer has refuted the allegations, stating that the evidence is insufficient and his client is being scapegoated due to the high-profile nature of the case.
Current Status
Mumbai Police continue to investigate the case, while Khan’s family and fans await updates on his recovery. Despite the harrowing incident, Khan’s resilience and swift medical intervention have provided hope for his complete recuperation.
Sources By Agencies
