February 6, 2025: In a significant development in the case involving Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing, the Mumbai Police conducted an identification parade for the accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, at the Arthur Road Jail on Wednesday. Shehzad, who allegedly entered Saif’s residence with the intention to commit theft, was identified by two key witnesses who were present at the scene of the attack.
The incident occurred last month when an intruder, later identified as Shehzad, broke into Saif’s Mumbai home. In a violent confrontation, Saif was stabbed multiple times, suffering severe injuries, including wounds to his thoracic spine. The actor was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery and was later discharged on January 21. Despite the horrific ordeal, Saif took a moment to address the media briefly as he returned to his Bandra residence.
The police’s investigation into the crime has gathered substantial evidence. According to officials, the police have obtained strong proof connecting Shehzad to the crime, including CCTV footage and a positive facial recognition test. On January 31, a facial recognition test confirmed that Shehzad, the person seen in the footage, was indeed the same person arrested for the attack.
Witnesses at Saif’s residence during the assault, including staff nurse Ariyama Philip and aaya Junu, participated in the identification parade. The event took place in the presence of a Tehsildar, following court approval, at the office of the Senior Jailor at Arthur Road Jail.
Police have also revealed that Shehzad entered India from Bangladesh and stayed at various locations in Kolkata before moving to Mumbai, where he allegedly planned to commit theft at Saif’s home. Shehzad was later arrested in Thane, just before he was allegedly about to flee back to his native village in Bangladesh.
In response to rumors surrounding the case, Additional Commissioner of Police, Paramjit Singh Dahiya, refuted claims that Shehzad’s fingerprints did not match the ones found at the crime scene. “We have gathered ample oral, physical, and technical evidence against the accused,” Dahiya said, assuring the public that they had apprehended the right person.
Despite these findings, Shehzad’s lawyer, Sandeep Shekhane, has denied the police’s claims, alleging that no proper investigation has been conducted. He questioned the police’s statement that Shehzad entered India recently, claiming instead that Shehzad had been living in Mumbai for over seven years with his family. Shekhane also alleged violations of investigation procedures and demanded a more thorough inquiry.
As the investigation progresses, the Mumbai Police have confirmed that they are continuing to gather evidence to ensure that justice is served. The case has drawn considerable media attention, and the public continues to follow the developments closely.