Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Fresh developments in the investigation of the Saif Ali Khan stabbing case have emerged as the defense lawyer for the accused, Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, questioned police claims about his Bangladeshi origin. Advocate Sandeep Shekhaneargued that the authorities have no concrete evidence to substantiate their claims that Shehzad entered India from Bangladesh six months ago.
Defense’s Claims
Shehzad’s advocate stated that his client has been living in Mumbai with his family for over seven years, refuting allegations of foreign nationality.
“The police have no proof that he is a Bangladeshi. The claim that he came here six months ago is false. This is a clear violation of Section 43A, as no proper investigation has been conducted,” Shekhane said.
The defense further alleged procedural lapses in the case, questioning the grounds for granting police custody.
“Police custody for five days has been granted, but the remand copy and FIR do not mention any intention to murder or threats to life. Despite this, severe sections have been implicated,” the advocate added.
Contradictions in Police Allegations
Another defense lawyer, Dinesh Prajapati, reiterated that the accused has been residing in Mumbai with his family.
“Nothing has been recovered from him, and there are no documents to prove he is a Bangladeshi national. The grounds for police custody are insufficient,” Prajapati said.
The Case So Far
Shehzad, aged 30, is accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence in the early hours of Thursday. The alleged intruder broke into Khan’s home and attacked him with a knife, causing injuries to his neck and near the spine. The actor is currently undergoing treatment at Lilavati Hospital, where his condition is reported to be stable.
The police arrested Shehzad on Sunday morning from Hiranandani Estate in Thane. Authorities initially stated that he had entered India illegally from Bangladesh six months ago.
Police Investigation
The Mumbai Police are now probing whether the attack was premeditated and if Shehzad had any accomplices.
“Further interrogation will help uncover additional details about the motive behind the attack,” said a senior police official. The court has directed the police to submit a report within five days.
