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The arrest of Akash Kannaujiya, a 31-year-old man, marks a significant development in the investigation into the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning at Khan's Bandra residence, left the actor with six stab wounds. The attacker, described as a man in his late thirties with a slim build and dark complexion, was initially spotted by the family's nurse, Eliyamma Phillips, outside Saif's son's bedroom. Phillips's screams alerted the nanny, Junu, who in turn roused Saif and his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan. The intruder, upon being confronted, reportedly demanded one crore rupees before attacking Saif. The swift and decisive actions of the Mumbai Police, in coordination with the South Eastern Central Railway (SECR) Railway Protection Force (RPF), led to Kannaujiya's apprehension.
The investigation benefited greatly from the use of cellphone tower triangulation. Mumbai police intermittently received location data placing Kannaujiya in Vidarbha, a region in Maharashtra. This information was crucial in narrowing down the search. Nagpur RPF officials received a precise tip-off indicating Kannaujiya's presence on the LTT-Shalimar Jnaneswari Express. This precise location data allowed the RPF to concentrate their efforts on this specific train. Despite initially missing him at Nagpur railway station, his cellphone tower location was again identified when the train was en route to Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh.
The apprehension of Kannaujiya was a collaborative effort. Despite missing him at Rajnandgaon during a brief stop, two RPF teams, led by Senior Inspector S K Sinha, boarded the Jnaneswari Express at Durg station. Using photographs provided by Mumbai Police, constables Shriram and Nirmala, along with other officers in plainclothes, identified and apprehended Kannaujiya inside a general coach. A video conference confirmed his identity with Mumbai Police. Kannaujiya is currently being questioned at the RPF thana in Durg. The incident highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation and the effectiveness of modern technological tools in apprehending suspects. The near misses at Nagpur and Rajnandgaon underscore the determination and persistence of the investigating officers in tracking down the suspect.
The case has raised concerns about security at high-profile residences in Mumbai. While details about the specifics of the security measures at Saif Ali Khan's residence remain undisclosed, the incident underscores the vulnerability of even well-protected homes to determined intruders. The swift response of the police and the use of technology demonstrate that timely action and inter-agency coordination are vital in solving such high-profile crimes. The investigation is ongoing and further details regarding the motive behind the attack, as well as Kannaujiya's background and criminal history, are yet to be revealed. The incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety and protecting high-profile individuals.
The success of the operation owes much to the technological advancements in tracking and communication. Cellphone tower data, coupled with the rapid sharing of information between Mumbai and SECR RPF, proved invaluable. The speed at which the suspect was apprehended indicates the efficiency of the police in leveraging technology and inter-agency cooperation. This case sets a precedent for future investigations, showcasing the potential of integrating technological advancements and coordinated law enforcement efforts to tackle serious crimes effectively. The investigation continues, and it remains to be seen what further revelations will emerge regarding the motive behind the attack and the suspect's past actions.
Source: Missed suspect in Saif attack by a whisker at Nagpur: Railway police