Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan faced a harrowing incident at his residence on January 16, 2025, when he was brutally attacked by an intruder who had entered his home with the intention of theft. The assailant, 30-year-old Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, allegedly stabbed Khan multiple times during the confrontation, causing severe injuries, including stab wounds around his neck and spine.
The incident unfolded at Khan's 12th-floor duplex located within the Satguru Sharan building, situated in the upscale neighborhood of Bandra, Mumbai. According to police reports, the attack occurred early in the morning when the actor's nurse, attending to his younger son Jehangir, encountered the burglar. Upon realizing the breach, Khan intervened, leading to the violent altercation.
Following the encounter, Khan was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent several surgeries to treat his injuries. Fortunately, he was discharged five days later, on January 21, and has been recuperated at home with support from his family.
Authorities acted swiftly after the incident, launching investigations to apprehend the intruder. Utilizing facial recognition technology, police were able to link Mohammad Shariful Islam to the CCTV footage captured within the building. The facial recognition test's outcomes confirmed the matches between the footage and the suspect's identity, solidifying the case against him.
"The arrested accused Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad’s facial recognition tested positive, confirming his identity matches the individual seen in the CCTV footage," stated the Mumbai Police. They collected more than 300 CCTV footage excerpts showcasing the incident, substantially aiding their inquiry.
During the follow-up, investigators uncovered courtroom evidence including blood samples, clothing related to both the actor and the assailant, as well as personal identifiers such as Shehzad’s driving license and Bangladeshi ID cards. This evidence was all part of the forensic analysis submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory for comprehensive investigation.
Shariful was located and apprehended on January 19, just days after the attack, as he attempted to escape to his native Bangladesh. He was intercepted at Hiranandani Estate, following extensive manhunts by the Mumbai police. The police confirmed he entered India illegally, having previously changed his identity under false pretenses.
Despite his arrest, the judicial court proceedings had their complications. When presented for remand, the Bandra magistrate's court ruled against extending police custody at this juncture, with Judicial Magistrate Komal Sing Rajput stating, "At least at this stage, any extension of police custody is not justified." This decision prompts consideration of whether new evidence could sway future detentions.
Shariful Islam has been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), with the legal ramifications of his actions still developing as law enforcement builds their case against him. Reports indicated police would seek additional time should new developments arise, particularly concerning the investigation of Islam’s illegal entry and connections aiding his crossing.
Saif Ali Khan, post-incident, has remained relatively silent on the ordeal. Although he has received extensive support from family and friends during his recovery, Khan's public comments on the situation have yet to materialize. His fans and the broader public have expressed concerns for his wellbeing, eagerly hoping to see him return to normalcy soon.
This incident has raised significant discussions around security, celebrity safety, and the effectiveness of technology such as facial recognition systems in crime prevention and investigation. Authorities hope this case highlights not just the vulnerabilities faced by well-known figures, but also the broader societal issues surrounding crime, security, and immigrant regulations.