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The recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has taken a new turn with the accused's lawyer challenging the police's assertion of his Bangladeshi nationality. Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the 30-year-old accused of stabbing Khan at his Bandra residence, has seen his lawyer, Sandeep Shekhane, vehemently deny the police's claim that Shehzad entered India from Bangladesh six months ago. Shekhane argues that the police lack concrete evidence to support this claim, stating that his client has resided in Mumbai with his family for over seven years. This assertion directly contradicts the initial police statement released shortly after Shehzad's arrest on Sunday morning from Thane's Hiranandani Estate. The discrepancy highlights a critical point of contention in the ongoing investigation, raising questions about the thoroughness of the initial police inquiry and the accuracy of the information disseminated to the public.
The legal battle surrounding Shehzad's alleged Bangladeshi origin forms a significant aspect of the case. Shekhane's accusations go beyond simply refuting the nationality claim. He alleges procedural lapses in the investigation, pointing to a violation of Section 43A due to what he describes as an inadequate preliminary investigation. Furthermore, he criticizes the granting of police custody, arguing that the grounds provided – lacking mention of life threats or murder intent in the FIR or remand copy – were insufficient to justify the five-day custody period. The lawyer's concerns highlight potential flaws in the legal process, raising questions about the adherence to established procedures and guidelines set by the Supreme Court. Another lawyer representing the accused, Dinesh Prajapati, echoes these concerns, emphasizing the lack of evidence linking Shehzad to the crime and further questioning the basis for the police custody.
The incident itself is deeply concerning. Saif Ali Khan, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, suffered injuries to his neck and near his spine after allegedly being stabbed multiple times by Shehzad. The actor is currently receiving treatment at Lilavati Hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition. The gravity of the attack underscores the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. Police are currently focusing on determining whether the attack was premeditated and if Shehzad had any accomplices. The investigation extends beyond the immediate circumstances of the attack, exploring the potential motives and any connections that might shed light on Shehzad's actions. The five-day police custody is crucial for investigators to gather more information, interview witnesses, and potentially uncover additional evidence that could reveal the full picture of this disturbing event.
The ongoing legal proceedings will play a pivotal role in determining the facts of the case. The contrasting statements made by the police and Shehzad's legal team emphasize the complexity of the situation. The legal challenge to Shehzad's alleged Bangladeshi origin could have significant ramifications, potentially impacting the investigation's trajectory and the legal strategy employed by both sides. The court's review of the evidence presented, along with the outcomes of the police investigation, will be instrumental in determining the appropriate charges and potential sentencing. The case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced even by prominent individuals and underscores the importance of rigorous investigative procedures in ensuring justice. The public awaits the outcome with bated breath, as the details of this case unfold and the legal processes determine the fate of the accused and the answers to the many questions surrounding the attack on Saif Ali Khan.
Source: Saif Ali Khan attack: Lawyer of accused claims 'police have no proof he is a Bangladeshi'