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The high-profile attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has concluded with the arrest and confession of his assailant, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Thursday at Khan's Bandra residence, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and captivated the nation. Shehzad, who initially evaded capture for over 70 hours, was finally apprehended near Hiranandani Estate in Thane, approximately 35 kilometers from the scene of the crime. The arrest followed an extensive manhunt involving over 100 police officers, leveraging witness accounts, CCTV footage, and intelligence gathered from various sources. The meticulous investigation highlights the dedication and resourcefulness of the Mumbai Police in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
Shehzad's confession, delivered in Hindi as "haan, maine hi kiya hai" (yes, I did it), confirmed his involvement in the attack. The confession came during interrogation following his apprehension. While the police have established Shehzad's culpability, the precise motives behind the attack remain under investigation. Initial reports suggest the attack occurred during a botched burglary attempt. A nurse, Eliyama Philips, who was caring for Khan's younger son, Jehangir, recounted the intruder's demand for Rs 1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD). However, the police investigation will need to delve deeper to ascertain whether robbery was the primary motive or if other factors contributed to the violent act. The details surrounding Shehzad's presence in India for the past four months, his assumed alias 'Bijoy Das', and his lack of official Indian documentation also form crucial aspects of the ongoing investigation.
The severity of Khan's injuries underscores the ferocity of the attack. He sustained six stab wounds, one of which required the removal of a 2.5-inch piece of a broken knife fragment from near his spine. Doctors who performed emergency surgery on the 54-year-old actor expressed concern that a mere 2mm deeper penetration could have resulted in catastrophic consequences. Khan's wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, provided a harrowing eyewitness account to the police, describing the attacker's aggression and the repeated nature of the stabbings. Her statement paints a vivid picture of the terrifying ordeal the family endured. The incident has understandably shaken Khan's family, raising questions about security protocols in high-rise buildings and the vulnerability of even high-profile individuals to such violent crimes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of robust security measures.
The legal proceedings against Shehzad are now underway. He has been remanded in five-day police custody to allow for further investigation. His defence lawyer, Sandeep D Sherkhane, has already attempted to downplay the significance of the case, suggesting it has been exaggerated due to Khan's celebrity status. Sherkhane also claimed that his client has been residing in India for several years and possesses valid documentation, a claim that contradicts the police’s assertion that Shehzad is a Bangladeshi national without proper Indian identification. The discrepancies in the defense's claims will undoubtedly be scrutinized during the legal process. The contrasting narratives presented by the police and the defense highlight the complexities of the case and the need for thorough investigation before a full understanding can be achieved.
The extensive manhunt involved a substantial police deployment, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities treated the case. Early in the investigation, a carpenter was briefly detained due to a resemblance to the suspect in CCTV footage; however, he was subsequently released after being cleared of any involvement. Similarly, a suspect was detained at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh but was released the following day. These instances illustrate the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the investigation, underscoring the police’s commitment to ensuring that the correct individual was apprehended. The successful capture of Shehzad marks a conclusion to a high-profile case that drew significant media attention and public concern. The incident also necessitates a wider discussion on issues of security, immigration procedures, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing crimes involving individuals lacking proper documentation.
Source: Saif Ali Khan's Attacker Admits To Crime, Says "Yes, I Did It": Sources