The Mumbai Police demonstrated exceptional investigative skills, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional methods, to apprehend Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national accused of breaking into actor Saif Ali Khan's Bandra residence and stabbing him during a burglary attempt. The incident, which took place on the night of January 16, left the Bollywood star shaken, though reports indicate that Saif’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Following the attack, the Mumbai Police swiftly launched a citywide investigation. Multiple teams were deployed to scan through hours of CCTV footage from cameras across Bandra and surrounding areas. A key lead emerged from footage captured on January 9 at the Bandra railway station, showing Shehzad alighting from a motorcycle. Investigators noted the vehicle’s registration number and used it as a starting point to trace his movements. Employing facial recognition technology, the police matched Shehzad’s face to the footage and identified him as the prime suspect.
The police investigation further revealed Shehzad's presence at Dadar railway station on three separate occasions. He was also tracked to the Worli Koliwada area. During this phase, officers discovered that Shehzad had interacted with a labour contractor in the region. Upon interrogating the contractor, the police gathered critical information about Shehzad’s activities and possible hideouts.
Acting on these leads, a specialized police team traced Shehzad to a labour camp located in a forested area of Thane. The camp served as a temporary shelter for migrant workers, and Shehzad had been hiding there to avoid capture. On Sunday, January 19, police apprehended him in a meticulously planned operation. His arrest relieved Saif Ali Khan’s family, friends, and fans, who had been anxiously awaiting updates on the case.
During questioning, police learned that Shehzad had entered India illegally and had been residing in Mumbai for several months, targeting affluent areas for potential thefts. On the night of January 16, he allegedly scaled the wall of Saif Ali Khan’s residence in the Satguru Sharan building with the intent to steal valuables. However, when confronted by Saif, a scuffle ensued, during which Shehzad stabbed the actor before fleeing the scene.
Shehzad was produced before a Mumbai court, where police sought his custody for further interrogation. Investigators are now working to uncover the full extent of Shehzad’s activities in India, including whether he had ties to any organized crime syndicates or a network of illegal immigrants. They are also probing how he managed to enter India and evade detection for so long.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of high-profile individuals in Mumbai, especially in light of increasing burglary attempts targeting celebrities. The Mumbai Police Commissioner praised the investigating teams for their efficient use of CCTV surveillance, facial recognition software, and on-ground intelligence, which were instrumental in cracking the case within a few days. He further assured the public that measures are being taken to enhance security across the city to prevent such incidents in the future.
For Saif Ali Khan, the incident serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities even prominent figures face. Although shaken, Saif is reported to be recovering well, with his family rallying around him for support. Fans and colleagues in the film industry have expressed relief over his safety while commending the Mumbai Police for their swift and decisive action. As the investigation unfolds, the focus now shifts to understanding the broader implications of the case, including potential gaps in security and the need for stricter measures to prevent illegal immigration and criminal activities.
