Saif Ali Khan's alleged attacker seeks bail, claims charges are baseless

Shariful Islam Shehzad, who has been in the spotlight since January for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan during a robbery attempt at his Bandra residence, has applied for bail in the Mumbai Sessions Court. The application, filed by his lawyer Ajay Gawali, argues that Islam is innocent and the charges against him are fabricated.

The plea states that the FIR is entirely false, claiming that a baseless case has been lodged against him. It emphasizes that Islam has fully cooperated with the investigation. His lawyer also points out that crucial evidence, such as CCTV footage and call records, has already been gathered by the prosecution, and there is no risk of him tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.

Islam is accused of breaking into Khan's house on 16 January 2024, with the intent to rob, during which he allegedly attacked the actor and his staff member, Gita, with a wooden weapon and a hexa blade. Khan suffered severe injuries, with part of the weapon lodged in his back, requiring multiple surgeries. He was hospitalized for five days before being discharged on 21 January.

The case was filed by Khan's staff member, Elima Philip, and is currently being heard in Bandra Magistrate Court. Once the Bandra Police files the chargesheet, the case will be transferred to the Mumbai Sessions Court for trial.

The bail application further argues that continuing Islam's detention serves no purpose other than pre-trial punishment. "The applicant has cooperated with the investigation. Thus, further detention will serve no useful purpose except pre-trial punishment," the plea asserts.

The Bandra Police have not yet filed the chargesheet, and the court is expected to hear Islam's bail request soon.