Saif Ali Khan’s attacker faces extended police remand until January 29

A Mumbai court has extended the police custody of the man accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan till January 29, 2025. Shareeful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national, Accused of stabbing Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. He allegedly entered India without proper documents and took on the alias Vijay Das. Fakir custody after the police requested more time to probe crucial aspects of the case.

Details of the Incident

Fakir attacked him by allegedly breaking into Khan’s apartment on the 12th floor in Bandra around the wee hours of January 16. With a knife in hand, Fakir reportedly thrust it repeatedly into Khan’s neck and back. Injuries were seriously inflicted there. The assaulted person take to Lilavati Hospital where he underwent two operations. Five days later, on January 21, the victim discharge from the hospital.

Court Proceedings and Police Investigation

During a hearing on January 24, police presented Fakir before a magistrate’s court in Bandra as his initial five-day remand came to an end. The authorities requested an additional seven days in custody to continue their investigation, which the court granted. The magistrate acknowledged that substantial progress made in the case but emphasized the need for further inquiry into other consequential aspects. Given the seriousness of the offense, which is triable by a sessions court, thorough investigation is essential to ascertain all facts surrounding the incident.

Police have indicated that they are investigating potential accomplices who may involve in the attack. They also mentioned that Fakir has not been cooperating with efforts to trace the weapon used in the crime and that they are awaiting forensic evidence related to his shoes at the time of the attack.

Forensic Evidence and Family Statements

According to published reports, it has been forensic analysis that implicated Fakir from the crime site, with different places inside the apartment of his victim, including the kitchen cabinets and a container, having matches with his fingerprint. However, his father and father’s uncle have been releasing statements saying this is a huge case of bias as it is because their son is here illegally. Rohul Amin described his son as having previously worked as a bike taxi driver in Bangladesh and claimed that political turmoil had forced him to leave for better opportunities.

Rohul Amin plans to raise his son’s arrest as a diplomatic issue with the Bangladeshi government, insisting that while his son may have engaged in illegal activities, he does not believe Shariful is a criminal.

Public Reaction and Security Concerns

The incident has raised significant concerns regarding security for celebrities in India. The brazen nature of the attack during a robbery attempt has prompted discussions about safety measures for high-profile individuals living in urban areas. Many fans and members of the public have expressed their shock over the incident, calling for increased security protocols for celebrities.

Next Steps Taken By Court

Extended,  As police custody until January 29, investigators will continue to pursue leads related to potential accomplices and gather additional evidence. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to thoroughly investigate this high-profile case while balancing the rights of the accused.

The Mumbai Police are conducting further interrogations of Fakir, focusing on his motives and any connections he may have had with others involved in planning or executing the attack on Khan. The investigation will also delve into how he managed to enter Khan’s residence undetected and whether there were any lapses in security.