We have strong, conclusive evidence in Saif Ali Khan attack case: Mumbai Police

Mumbai Police compile strong evidence against Bangladeshi national in Saif Ali Khan attack case, investigation ongoing.

The Mumbai Police on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) said they had compiled “strong and conclusive evidence” against Shariful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir alias Vijay Das, the Bangladeshi national arrested in connection with the January 16 attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. 

The suspect, aged 26, was arrested in Thane on January 19 and will remain in custody till January 29. 

Speaking to media, Additional Commissioner of Police Paramjit Dahiya said the investigation, led by the DCP Zone 9 team and Crime Branch, relied on documentation, technical data, and physical proof. “We possess oral, physical, technical, and documentary evidence against the accused, which will be presented in court,” Mr. Dahiya stated. He confirmed the police were exploring facial recognition technology to verify the suspect’s identity against CCTV footage from Mr. Khan’s residence.

While the police denied finding accomplices, they are interrogating individuals linked to Shariful. Fingerprint samples sent to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) are pending analysis. The probe has also included statements from Mr. Khan, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, and household staff.

Also Read | Saif’s attacker entered India seven months ago, used Bengal resident’s Aadhaar card to get SIM: Police

The media briefing was held a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he would direct the Mumbai Police Commissioner to share the details with the media in a day or two. He said the investigation into the attack on the actor was progressing, despite reports of a fingerprint mismatch involving the arrested suspect, a Bangladeshi national. Mr. Fadnavis said the Mumbai Police had gathered nearly all necessary evidence and were close to concluding the case.

Meanwhile, the suspect’s father, Mohammad Ruhul, claimed his son was not in the CCTV footage and lacked documentation to stay in India. He said he planned to contact Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry and the Indian High Commission.