Saif Ali Khan's attacker likely a Bangladeshi: Mumbai police

Mumbai police have said the man accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his residence on 16 January is likely a Bangladeshi national who entered India illegally. 

The accused, identified as 30-year-old Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, was apprehended early today (19 January) in Thane, Maharashtra, reports India Today. 

Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gedam said they have arrested an accused in connection with the burglary attempt at the actor's Bandra home. 

The accused identified as 30-year-old Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad. Photo: Collected

"The accused had been identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad. The investigation has revealed that this accused could be from Bangladesh. He does not have any Indian documents," he added.

"We suspect he is from Bangladesh. We are investigating and have added Passport Act charges to the case against him," Dixit said.

"We have recovered some items from him that suggest he is from Bangladesh. He came to India illegally and changed his name to Bijoy Das. He has been living in Mumbai for about four months and was working at a housekeeping agency," the senior officer further said. 

Shehzad, who worked for a housekeeping agency in Thane, was detained at a labour camp near a metro construction site in the Hiranandani Estate area. 

According to police, he entered Saif Ali Khan's home with the intent to commit robbery. During the intrusion, an altercation reportedly led to the stabbing incident.

Authorities report that Shehzad has confessed to the crime. He is currently in police custody and will be presented before the court for judicial custody. 

Investigations are ongoing to verify the accused's background, including his entry route into India and potential prior activities.

Police are coordinating with immigration authorities to confirm Shehzad's nationality and examine the circumstances surrounding his illegal entry.