Saif Ali Khan stabbing case: Mumbai’s police make an identification parade for accused

Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan attends an event to announce his next movie ‘Jewel Thief’ in Netflix, in Mumbai on February 3, 2025. Photo credit: AFP

The Mumbai Police made an identification parade for Shariful Islam Shehzad, the defendant in the case of stabbing of Saif Ali Khan, in the Arthur Road prison on Wednesday (February 5, 2025), authorities said.

According to the officials, Shehzad, who allegedly entered the Saif residence with the intention of committing robbery, was identified by the witnesses present during the incident. Police said they have strong evidence that links it with crime, including CCTV images and a positive facial recognition test.

Last month, Saif was attacked by an intruder, later identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, who allegedly entered his house with the intention of committing robbery. During a violent confrontation, Saif suffered a stab injuries in his thoracic column and other parts of his body. He was urgently taken to the Lilavati hospital to receive immediate treatment.

The identification parade took place in the High Level Prison Office of Arthur Road prison, in the presence of a Tehsildar, after the Court’s approval. The Nurse of the staff Ariyama Philip and Aaya Junu, who were present within the Saif residence during the attack, participated in the identification of the accused.

On January 31, the Mumbai police carried out a facial recognition test of the accused. “The defendant arrested from Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the facial recognition positive. According to the test, it is confirmed that the person in the images of CCTV and Islam Shariful Shehzad de Mohammad is the same person,” said Mumbai police.

As the investigation continues, the Mumbai police said they have wide evidence against the defendant arrested.

They also confirmed that he entered India from Bangladesh and stayed in several places in Kolkata before coming to Mumbai. Last month, the additional commissioner of the Police Paramjit Singh Dahiya refuted the rumors that the defendant’s digital footprints did not coincide. “Every time an accusation is arrested, multiple evidence is collected against it. We have found a lot of oral, physical and technical evidence against the accused … We have caught the right person,” he said.

According to the police, the defendant entered the actor’s residence with the intention of committing robbery. A case has been recorded under sections 311, 312, 331 (4), 331 (6) and 331 (7) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Police said the defendant planned to flee to his native village in Bangladesh, but was arrested at the Hiranandani farm in Thane. However, his defender, Sandeep Shekhane, denied police claims and claimed that “proper investigation had not been conducted.”

Police custody has been granted for 5 days. The court has asked the police to present a report within 5 days. Police have no evidence that it is a Bangladesh. They said that it came here 6 months ago, it is an incorrect statement. He has been living here for more than 7 years. His family is in Mumbai … This is a clear rape of 43a. A proper investigation has not been conducted, “Shekhane told journalists.

Saif Ali Khan was discharged from the Lilavati hospital after undergoing surgery on January 21. Upon returning to his Bandra residence, he briefly greeted the media.